Hello, With a population of 1,777, Gurdon is a small town. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I overthinking this? The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Peyton R.
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Oliver Roberts
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
Brooklyn Reed
literally same
35 upvotes
Isaac Ward
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Alexa Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
oaklandgirl2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 37, moved here 6 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Eastside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Austin, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
7 upvotes
Julian Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.