Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Islip sits at 22.0 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $2,192 for rent here. With a population of 17,224, Islip is a small town. The median home value here is around $486,900, which is pretty steep. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I overthinking this? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Kaylee R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Gabriel Smith
preach
33 upvotes
Charlotte Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Miami about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
true_nevaeh19
as a local I can confirm
31 upvotes
Easton E.
I work in healthcare here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is tough. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Elijah Collins
I've lived in Westside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The community vibe scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Camila T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 6 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Henry Brown
couldn't agree more
18 upvotes
Jose Bennett
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Maple Ridge area are challenging. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Weston Chavez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Violet Ramos
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
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