Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm single, late 30s, and Homes are going for about $442,100 on average. Household incomes average around $82,454 in Hempstead. Rent is about $1,649/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 6.3%, which is concerning. With a population of 58,569, Hempstead is a smaller city. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
4 Replies
Silas W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Benjamin Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 26, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in East and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. decent 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 Minneapolis, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
21 upvotes
Piper B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Highland) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
20 upvotes
jace_mind
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Thai places. the quality of life is solid.
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