Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. With a population of 101K, Carmel is a mid-size city. Poverty rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Carmel sits at 31.5 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Savannah R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Westside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. average 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Brooks Bailey
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Piper Lee
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
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