Sign In Register
nyc_mia housing

Affordable areas near Central Islip?

Hey everyone, You can expect to pay around $2,106 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
27 upvotes

11 Replies

Carson Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Pine Hills and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. hit or miss 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.

**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
40 upvotes
Nolan Kim
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
James Evans
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh 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 Old Town. It's average for what you get.

Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.

People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: average. Tons of options if you like seafood.

Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Sebastian Morales
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is improving in most areas.
30 upvotes
Sebastian Kim
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
James White
glad someone said it
24 upvotes
Riley Harris
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The dating scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Jack M.
I've lived in South for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cultural scene scene is average

The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited

Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Sadie Evans
noted, appreciate it
17 upvotes
Catherine M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is tough in most areas.
11 upvotes
Carol H.
Bought a house here in 2017 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
6 upvotes
← Back to Central Islip Community