Hello, I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $2,529/month for a decent place. With a population of 41,527, Coram is a smaller city. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots? Appreciate any input. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
2 upvotes
26 Replies
Naomi M.
yep
38 upvotes
James S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Seattle it's decent.
37 upvotes
Lucy G.
bump
36 upvotes
Genesis Wilson
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
Evelyn Bennett
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 12 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains 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 improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Ryan Perez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
34 upvotes
Audrey M.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
32 upvotes
aaron_girl
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
Gabriella Moore
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Asian places. I love the pace of life here.
29 upvotes
Peyton Phillips
spot on
28 upvotes
eva_heart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Avery Wright
big facts right here
22 upvotes
austin_david
big facts right here
19 upvotes
Nicholas Clark
this is the way
18 upvotes
Leah Hernandez
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Thai places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
17 upvotes
Miles Jimenez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Hazel Sanchez
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
chicagorunner2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from New York about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Lucas Bailey
bump
12 upvotes
Amelia Mitchell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Jonathan Cook
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Kennedy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Steven S.
underrated comment
6 upvotes
Isabella Collins
hmm interesting perspective
5 upvotes
henry_heart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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