OK so You can expect to pay around $1,607 for rent here. With a population of 101K, Carmel is a mid-size city. Household incomes average around $134,602 in Carmel. Crime rate is something to consider -Carmel sits at 31.5 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
50 upvotes
10 Replies
Jayden Ross
haha yep pretty much
37 upvotes
Eliana Walker
noted, appreciate it
32 upvotes
Sebastian
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to LA it's solid.
31 upvotes
Aaron
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. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Benjamin Miller
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Theodore M.
as a local I can confirm
22 upvotes
Dylan R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
19 upvotes
Gianna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 53, moved here 15 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Lakewood and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. solid 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
16 upvotes
Elijah Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Nova Roberts
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
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