Hey everyone, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and With a population of 16,724, Lake Mary is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Has anyone dealt with this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Camila
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
34 upvotes
Nova E.
great question, following
25 upvotes
Willow Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from Miami for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Greyson Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 26, moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Baltimore, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
24 upvotes
Maya H.
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
14 upvotes
Naomi A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely decent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
10 upvotes
Sadie Ross
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Autumn Carter
Used to live on the South side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
9 upvotes
Eleanor Hill
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The pet-friendliness is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
detroitheart2024
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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