OK so I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. With a population of 14,165, Ardmore is a small town. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Lucy M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from New York about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Beverly H.
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Declan Adams
I work in government here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
boston_easton
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
sacramento_levi
haha yep pretty much
17 upvotes
Axel Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 54, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
13 upvotes
Cora Sanders
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Genesis M.
haha yep pretty much
2 upvotes
Maverick T.
great question, following
2 upvotes
Lily Reyes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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