Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 7.9%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,786 for rent here. With a population of 28,624, Carney is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Carney sits at 1,338.5 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What do you all think? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Daniel Diaz
I've lived in Midtown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Philip M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Nolan R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 44, moved here 1 years ago from Austin. I've lived in West and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
39 upvotes
Julian T.
bump
34 upvotes
Grace Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 15 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are challenging. 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. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Jordan Phillips
spot on
23 upvotes
Jacob Sanders
bump
22 upvotes
Nevaeh M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from New York about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Josiah Hill
seconding this
16 upvotes
Terry C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Miami about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Eugene F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 28, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in North and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. surprisingly good 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 Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
8 upvotes
Austin Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.