Been meaning to ask this. I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $656 for rent here. Poverty rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $49,873 in Columbiana. Homes are going for about $187,000 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Let me know your thoughts. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Delilah Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 35, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Downtown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. solid 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 Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
16 upvotes
Caleb Diaz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Aurora
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
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