Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and Rent is about $1,482/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Largo sits at 383.7 per 100K. Poverty rate is 8.0%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
wild_ezekiel89
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is average and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Wyatt Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 42, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Austin, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
30 upvotes
Jaxon Cox
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
30 upvotes
Elijah Bennett
Bought a house here in 2016 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
Marie B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Claire Castillo
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Indian places. the quality of life is solid.
24 upvotes
Leonardo Ramos
good to know, thanks
22 upvotes
Leonardo Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Ezekiel Green
not my experience at all
9 upvotes
Ian Morales
hard disagree but ok
7 upvotes
Leo Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 36, moved here 4 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Westside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
7 upvotes
Savannah Brooks
I work in tech here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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