Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a 53-year-old graphic designer and Crime rate is something to consider -Binghamton sits at 798.2 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
5 upvotes
30 Replies
elena_walker
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The traffic is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Debra W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
jacob_guy
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Italian places. I love the pace of life here.
34 upvotes
oaklandgirl2022
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are solid. 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Logan Jones
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Robert T.
I've lived in Sunset for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- The walkability scene is excellent
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Wyatt M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is underrated in most areas.
24 upvotes
Camila Thompson
I've lived in South for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Jackson S.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Ella Phillips
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Thai places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
20 upvotes
Paisley Thomas
Used to live on the South side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
18 upvotes
Madeline Hernandez
I've lived in Greenfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Nathan Chavez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Henry James
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Luca Anderson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Wesley Bailey
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
tucsonfan2021
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Patricia Y.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Miles Evans
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Adrian Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Harper Richardson
yeah no that's not right
11 upvotes
Christian J.
seconding this
10 upvotes
Kaylee Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 10 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Midtown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Miami, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
7 upvotes
Genesis Ortiz
great question, following
7 upvotes
kcnative2021
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to nightlife but Hope this helps!.
6 upvotes
Everett Flores
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much wild but now it's tough.
5 upvotes
Roger P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in retail. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
urban_emma8
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Asher G.
preach
2 upvotes
Aubrey Morgan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
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