Been living here since 2008. Household incomes average around $68,267 in Auburndale. With a population of 17,438, Auburndale is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I overthinking this? Thanks!
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Mackenzie Watson
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Jeremiah L.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Sunset area are decent. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Russell C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Leonardo
I work in legal here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is improving. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Alexander Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 31, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Fairview and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Nashville, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
25 upvotes
Anna Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 33, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
24 upvotes
Audrey A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Emmett
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Old Town area are solid. Kids love it here.
3 upvotes
Ezra Hill
yep
2 upvotes
Luna B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
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