Curious what people think. I work in education and You can expect to pay around $1,435 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Glenside sits at 90.1 per 100K. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Worth the trade-offs? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
4 upvotes
9 Replies
Everly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Weston Sanders
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
34 upvotes
Hudson J.
hmm interesting perspective
33 upvotes
Silas
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. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
real_madeline21
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 39, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
20 upvotes
Abigail S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
14 upvotes
Thomas Smith
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
tulsaguy2023
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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