With a population of 17,040, Aberdeen is a small town. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? Looking forward to hearing from you all. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Ryan C.
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
spot on
36 upvotes
phoenix_lillian
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much established but now it's solid.
35 upvotes
Madelyn Gonzalez
lol so true
32 upvotes
Ian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 2 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
James Howard
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Mason Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 35, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
23 upvotes
Julian Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Gabriella R.
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
18 upvotes
Audrey Turner
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
18 upvotes
Thomas Smith
100%
9 upvotes
Ethan Rogers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
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