Longtime lurker here, The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. With a population of 8,699, Audubon is a small town. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
Catherine P.
Saving this thread
39 upvotes
Leonardo W.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much developing but now it's challenging.
38 upvotes
Axel Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 24, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
38 upvotes
Sarah Morgan
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Parker Brooks
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
24 upvotes
Elizabeth Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Dallas about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Jack T.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Emily
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
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