I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $118,435, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $378,900, which seems about average. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Is this normal for Lake Murray of Richland? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
Ian Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Kyle W.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The weather is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Logan Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Midtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
29 upvotes
Peyton Sanders
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Tampa it's pretty good.
28 upvotes
Maverick F.
I'm a social worker and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Henry Lewis
Moved here from Tampa about 14 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to school system but Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
James Nelson
I'm a data analyst and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
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