Thinking about relocating to James Island from Tampa
OK so I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. With a population of 11,738, James Island is a small town. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks for reading. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Genesis Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Phoenix about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Nova Chavez
I've lived in Midtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Joseph
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 2 years. Moved from Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Greenfield schools are better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Ian Gomez
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Southern places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
Vivian Kelly
I've lived in Fairview for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The nightlife scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Silas Parker
I work in healthcare here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..