Bryn Mawr quality of life -am I missing something?
Alright, I relocated for work and Household incomes average around $87,218 in Bryn Mawr. Poverty rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $391,900, which seems about average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Would love some local perspective. Cheers. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Virginia L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Charlotte Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 28, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
35 upvotes
Angel Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 2 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Old Town schools are surprisingly good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Addison Cox
Moved here from Houston about 7 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to dating scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
kai_lover
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Boston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Jack Smith
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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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