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Genesis B. living

What I wish I knew before living in Essex

First post here. Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $67,082 in Essex. You can expect to pay around $1,307 for rent here. The median home value here is around $253,500, which seems about average. Poverty rate is 9.1%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.

Pros:
- Low crime in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Plenty of shopping options

Cons:
- Cold winters
- Limited dining options
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Poor road conditions
Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up.
19 upvotes

2 Replies

Bella Thompson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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 better than expected. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Julian W.
hmm interesting perspective
9 upvotes
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