Longtime lurker here, With a population of 3,145, Carrabelle is a small town. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up.
10 upvotes
5 Replies
Ava Perez
honestly same experience here
31 upvotes
Olivia Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Jose
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
All Countries
