Hi all, We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $43,171 in Kiryas Joel. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
28 upvotes
15 Replies
Leo Ramos
haha yep pretty much
40 upvotes
living_josiah71
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (The Heights) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
40 upvotes
Joseph W.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
Hannah R.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Piper Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Jonathan B.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Joshua Miller
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The healthcare is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
David Lewis
interesting, hadn't considered that
22 upvotes
Nova B.
glad someone said it
20 upvotes
Madeline Wood
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Kai Carter
noted, appreciate it
16 upvotes
Dylan Bailey
Moved here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to job market but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Harper J.
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
7 upvotes
Aubrey Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 28, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Pine Hills and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
3 upvotes
Olivia R.
I've lived in South for about 1 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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