Thinking about relocating to Kiryas Joel from Baltimore
Hey everyone, I'm single, late 40s, and Household incomes average around $43,171 in Kiryas Joel. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Lucas Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Seattle about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Leah Ward
I'm a nurse and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
oakland_carson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 9 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are underrated. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Evan O.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Francisco about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Ruth M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Addison Reed
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.