I work in construction and Poverty rate is 9.5%, which is pretty low. With a population of 7,091, Cortland is a small town. Rent is about $702/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Is this normal for Cortland? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
Cameron H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 51, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. challenging 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K 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.
31 upvotes
detroit_hunter
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
matthew_lover
Saving this thread
24 upvotes
angel_soul
I've lived in Downtown for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
nyclocal2020
lol so true
17 upvotes
Hunter Cook
Came here for family and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The weather is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Caroline Nguyen
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
8 upvotes
Brooks Kim
I've lived in Riverside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The school system scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
raised_declan73
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Jordan Ross
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 4 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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