Born and raised here. With a population of 10,106, Budd Lake is a small town. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What are your go-to spots? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
3 upvotes
2 Replies
Eliana R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 57, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. tough 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 San Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
38 upvotes
Adrian Anderson
Moved here from Chicago about 15 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to weather but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..