Hey, Is this normal for Jensen Beach? Appreciate any input. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Addison Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
39 upvotes
Dylan R.
not my experience at all
39 upvotes
Gianna Jones
I've lived in North for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Ruth R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Aurora W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Riverside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
30 upvotes
detroitmind2020
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
29 upvotes
Caleb C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 26, moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Highland and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
25 upvotes
Sebastian Martin
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Amelia Wilson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Eliana L.
honestly same experience here
14 upvotes
Peyton Thomas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Natalie Allen
accurate
6 upvotes
Zoe Baker
Moved here from Phoenix about 10 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to weather but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Ethan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 4 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance 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 average - 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. Riverside schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.