Hello, Just moved here 17 months ago and The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $479,700, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 44,102, Freeport is a smaller city. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Friendly people
- Diverse community
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Homelessness issues downtown
Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
26 upvotes
7 Replies
Christian Green
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is underrated in most areas.
39 upvotes
Helen F.
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
Arianna Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
jace_local
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Liam Kelly
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The pet-friendliness is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Evelyn Cox
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Liam Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from New York 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 Meadowbrook. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.