I've been here for 4 years and Homes are going for about $261,800 on average. With a population of 32,334, Aiken is a smaller city. Rent is about $1,199/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $69,837, which feels about average for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Dylan Jones
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Nicholas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 7 years. Moved from Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. 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. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Ella Clark
thanks for sharing
32 upvotes
Wyatt Foster
seconding this
29 upvotes
Gabriel
spot on
16 upvotes
David Allen
I've lived in South for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Arianna Evans
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
14 upvotes
Ryan Cox
I'm a lawyer and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Everly B.
hard disagree but ok
11 upvotes
Hazel Davis
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Westside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Emma Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**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 wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are tough. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
chill_violet26
This.
1 upvotes
Autumn Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from LA about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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