Household incomes average around $58,899 in Folcroft. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Anyone in a similar situation?
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Harper J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 40, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Houston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. 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.
40 upvotes
Ellie Cook
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
mountain_waylon60
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
26 upvotes
Maverick Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Sophie C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Eastside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
7 upvotes
Leonardo Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 39, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in North and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
4 upvotes
Isaiah S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (North) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
4 upvotes
Sophie Bennett
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
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