OK so I've been here for 14 years and With a population of 71,455, Johnson City is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Johnson City sits at 425.6 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? Cheers. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Leo Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 50, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Stella Watson
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
36 upvotes
Roman Murphy
Came here for school and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Greyson Clark
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
Oliver Foster
preach
29 upvotes
Bennett Bennett
Used to live on the East side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
25 upvotes
Nancy A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Austin about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Bobby J.
Moved here from New York about 13 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to traffic but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Victoria Campbell
I've lived in The Heights for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Jace Peterson
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.
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