Hello, I'm single, late 50s, and Homes are going for about $307,600 on average. With a population of 22,602, DeBary is a small town. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Kayden Bennett
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Maple Ridge area are decent. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
valentina_girl
hard disagree but ok
28 upvotes
Cooper Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely improving and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
23 upvotes
Madelyn Ramos
been saying this for years
23 upvotes
Jace Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are excellent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Victoria Torres
yeah no that's not right
18 upvotes
Isabelle Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 28, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Greenfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
15 upvotes
Robert Walker
bump
11 upvotes
Anna Cruz
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Logan B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (The Heights) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
10 upvotes
Emmett Wilson
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
6 upvotes
cincy_matthew
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely excellent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
6 upvotes
happy_zoey99
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
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