Anyone else feel this way? It's a a small town city with about 2,873 people. Household incomes average around $98,871 in Lake Orion. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I overthinking this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
5 upvotes
10 Replies
Isaiah Bailey
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Richard S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to New York it's better than expected.
27 upvotes
Roman Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Ella G.
literally same
16 upvotes
Ethan A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Sophie Thomas
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Madelyn Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 38, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
5 upvotes
Joseph R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
3 upvotes
Eva Peterson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
0 upvotes
Connor Chavez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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