I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Hopewell sits at 333.9 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Sarah P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 14 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. South 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Sophia H.
glad someone said it
24 upvotes
Kimberly L.
I work in real estate here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is better than expected. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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