Hey, The median home value here is around $166,700, which is actually reasonable. Crime rate is something to consider -Effingham sits at 544.9 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Let me know your thoughts. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Dominic Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. average 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 Charlotte, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
39 upvotes
Evelyn Lee
Came here for family and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Sophie White
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in West area are underrated. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Kai Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Ariana Reyes
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Daniel M.
hmm interesting perspective
8 upvotes
Jonathan Stewart
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
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