Alright, Crime rate is something to consider -Brewerton sits at 805.4 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Daniel W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 48, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
37 upvotes
Jordan Thomas
I work in manufacturing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is challenging. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Benjamin
honestly same experience here
34 upvotes
Nevaeh Reyes
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Connor Richardson
spot on
34 upvotes
Ava Mitchell
nah I disagree
24 upvotes
Ruby Anderson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Aaron White
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Madeline
This.
20 upvotes
Caroline
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The school system is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Abigail
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Oliver Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Tampa, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
14 upvotes
Caleb Perez
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much wild but now it's excellent.