Longtime lurker here, I'm a 32-year-old HR manager and Crime rate is something to consider -Islamorada sits at 2,771.8 per 100K. Household incomes average around $95,212 in Islamorada. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Should I be concerned? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Aaron Baker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Ella Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Mia Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Diego about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Kevin R.
big facts right here
33 upvotes
true_william66
nah I disagree
30 upvotes
Levi Torres
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
28 upvotes
Leah Torres
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Highland) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
13 upvotes
Cameron Gray
This.
8 upvotes
Amelia Martinez
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
5 upvotes
Maverick Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Michael Reyes
preach
3 upvotes
portland_nolan
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much pricey but now it's excellent.
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