Hi all, Crime rate is something to consider -Binghamton sits at 798.2 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is about average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
15 upvotes
2 Replies
Daniel Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 44, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Westside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 Dallas, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Caroline G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (The Heights) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
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