So, The median home value here is around $891,400, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,042 people. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,804/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Dix Hills? Appreciate any input. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Mackenzie B.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Thomas Perez
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
38 upvotes
Billy R.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Midtown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Scarlett Gonzalez
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Alice Gonzalez
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 3 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Affordable housing options
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 cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Baltimore, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
31 upvotes
Gabriel
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 safety is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
29 upvotes
Lillian Diaz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 5 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
savannah_walker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
katherine_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 56, moved here 3 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Austin, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
11 upvotes
Ava Young
good to know, thanks
6 upvotes
Ellie S.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much wild but now it's improving.
5 upvotes
Lauren P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 54, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in The Heights and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Nashville, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
3 upvotes
Eva Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 44, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Sunset and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - 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 cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. challenging 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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