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Claire Hughes
best-worst
Biggest downsides of living in Ellenton?
Been meaning to ask this. Military spouse here. With a population of 5,454, Ellenton is a small to
9 upvotes
11 Replies
Austin Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 24, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Sunset and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 24, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Sunset and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
34 upvotes
Ian C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Parker Davis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Jose Diaz
I've lived in Downtown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by food scene. 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 walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by food scene. 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 walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Natalie Cooper
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
25 upvotes
Sebastian Nelson
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Henry H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Zoe Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Waylon Davis
seconding this
14 upvotes
Bennett K.
not my experience at all
13 upvotes
Mackenzie Phillips
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much manageable but now it's improving.
6 upvotes