First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 11,753, Largo is a small town. You can expect to pay around $2,138 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Should I be concerned? Cheers. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
coastal_emilia79
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (North) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
40 upvotes
Alexander Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Miami about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
William
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. tough 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 Charlotte, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
38 upvotes
Nicholas Edwards
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 Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 decent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Lucy R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 51, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Fairview and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
35 upvotes
Andrew Bennett
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Uptown area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Austin Adams
Bought a house here in 2021 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
Ryan H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 25, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
27 upvotes
James
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Ethan W.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
22 upvotes
Emily Taylor
interesting, hadn't considered that
13 upvotes
Matthew Johnson
thanks for sharing
8 upvotes
Theodore P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Theresa R.
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much manageable but now it's solid.
6 upvotes
Leah Cruz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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