Random thought, We have two kids and Crime rate is something to consider -Alexandria sits at 673.5 per 100K. With a population of 3,420, Alexandria is a small town. The unemployment rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 4.2%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Easton Hernandez
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Declan N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 58, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Greenfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
34 upvotes
Hailey
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Ethan G.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
33 upvotes
Madelyn King
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
30 upvotes
Austin R.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The weather is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Joseph R.
wish I knew this sooner
16 upvotes
Samuel P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Mateo Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 30, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Sunset and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
8 upvotes
Easton
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
Owen L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
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