So, With a population of 19,471, Homewood is a small town. The median home value here is around $210,500, which is actually reasonable. The suburbs are where most families end up. What do you all think? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
11 upvotes
9 Replies
Axel Harris
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
28 upvotes
Maya Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 36, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
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. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
27 upvotes
mesa_harper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 10 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Kai Sanders
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Austin H.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
13 upvotes
Thomas Hill
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is improving in most areas.
7 upvotes
Aubrey Perez
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Lori Y.
hmm interesting perspective
6 upvotes
Lily Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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