Hey everyone, Average temperature is around 72--F, so it's warm year-round. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,239 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Daytona Beach sits at 1,137.0 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 75,924 people. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I wrong here? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Declan Castillo
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Maverick Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
32 upvotes
Sofia Mitchell
Totally agree!
31 upvotes
Ruby M.
honestly same experience here
22 upvotes
rylee_vibes
Moved here from Seattle about 9 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to dating scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Sophie Smith
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Savannah Hughes
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
chicago_silas
big facts right here
18 upvotes
Mia Sanchez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Charlotte it's pretty good.
17 upvotes
Naomi S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in construction. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Betty S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 32, moved here 5 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
8 upvotes
Ethan Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Aaron B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
All Countries
