Longtime lurker here, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Gardendale sits at 211.7 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Does this match your experience? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Declan Perez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Weston Ross
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Robert Peterson
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
33 upvotes
Maya Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails 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 tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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