I'm a teacher here and Rent is about $613/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Is this normal for Girardville? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
axel_heart
+1
40 upvotes
Sharon K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 6 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Diego, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
33 upvotes
Aaron Ramos
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The housing market is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Eva Sanchez
big facts right here
28 upvotes
Jason B.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Adam A.
this is the way
23 upvotes
Maverick
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
18 upvotes
Ezra Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Skylar
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is decent in most areas.
6 upvotes
Charlotte Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 9 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Maple Ridge and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
5 upvotes
Santiago White
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
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