First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $67,082 in Essex. Median household income is $67,082, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $253,500, which seems about average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
12 upvotes
5 Replies
sophie_local
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
32 upvotes
Greyson Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Ezra Chavez
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is pretty good. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Eric P.
couldn't agree more
17 upvotes
Grayson Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 26, moved here 4 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in East and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
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