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Jonathan Thompson living

What I wish I knew before living in Iselin

Alright, Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $394,200 on average. Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $112,615, which feels pretty solid for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any help is appreciated. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
3 upvotes

6 Replies

Maya R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.

Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options

Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown

Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is average.

Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Oliver
good to know, thanks
20 upvotes
Alexander Gomez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Jose Cooper
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
10 upvotes
Joseph
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a social worker, 26, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
5 upvotes
Parker B.
good to know, thanks
1 upvotes
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