Crime rate is something to consider -Hockessin sits at 356.4 per 100K. Median household income is $172,695, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Robert Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 43, moved here 2 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. surprisingly 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 Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
40 upvotes
Rylee Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in tech. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Silas Kim
I'm a teacher and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
James Rogers
exactly what I was thinking
37 upvotes
Naomi M.
I'm a social worker and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
loving_zoe78
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
33 upvotes
living_adam80
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Portland about 3 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Julian Evans
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
26 upvotes
Camila Jimenez
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
21 upvotes
Isaac Torres
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Maverick S.
I've lived in The Heights for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Sophie Rivera
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
1 upvotes
Lucas Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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