First post here. I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. With a population of 70,468, Bayonne is a smaller city. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Let me know your thoughts. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
5 upvotes
26 Replies
Nevaeh Green
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Leo Patel
thanks for sharing
38 upvotes
Philip H.
glad someone said it
37 upvotes
Declan W.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Parker Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 4 years. Moved from Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 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:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. East schools are improving. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Nevaeh Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Evan Wright
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
29 upvotes
Ava Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 1 years. Moved from Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are excellent. 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. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Kayden
hard disagree but ok
25 upvotes
Aaron Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Lillian Adams
I work in education here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Mason C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Landon C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Addison Lee
Moved here last year, no regrets.
19 upvotes
Carol E.
bump
17 upvotes
fresnorider2021
I work in construction here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Paisley M.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The safety scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Mateo L.
Bought a house here in 2015 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
15 upvotes
Adeline Morgan
thanks for sharing
14 upvotes
Grayson
facts
13 upvotes
Wyatt Ruiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Eliana Reyes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
9 upvotes
Melanie Ward
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Gianna Rogers
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Hailey Hernandez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The pet-friendliness is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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