Crime rate is something to consider -Colesville sits at 356.2 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this?
11 upvotes
11 Replies
Madelyn Lee
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Phoenix it's surprisingly good.
35 upvotes
Sophie Castillo
following this thread
32 upvotes
Claire Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 53, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
32 upvotes
Angel K.
couldn't agree more
30 upvotes
Wesley Thomas
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 5 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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 better than expected. 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Julia Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. pretty good 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
27 upvotes
Riley Phillips
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The pet-friendliness is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Janice K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 54, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. solid 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 Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
9 upvotes
Robert Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Alice Torres
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
4 upvotes
Stella Chavez
I've lived in The Heights 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 Tampa, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
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