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Olivia Lee living

Why I chose Haverhill over bigger cities

Curious what people think. Rent is about $1,620/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $426,900 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thoughts? Thanks for reading. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
19 upvotes

9 Replies

Sarah
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
37 upvotes
local_hudson2
big facts right here
33 upvotes
Adam Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a project manager, 25, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in The Heights and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
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. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
30 upvotes
Melanie A.
I've lived in South for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is challenging

The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate

Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Jameson Green
facts
16 upvotes
Cora
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Aaron H.
I'm a teacher and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Ariana Ramirez
glad someone said it
7 upvotes
Wesley Foster
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
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