Hey, I'm originally from Albuquerque and Crime rate is something to consider -Cocoa sits at 802.9 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 19,330 people. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What would you do? Looking forward to hearing from you all. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Lydia Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 29, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
30 upvotes
Caroline
thanks for sharing
22 upvotes
Carson Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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