Household incomes average around $101,580 in Latham. Homes are going for about $300,300 on average. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. With a population of 14,327, Latham is a small town. Rent is about $1,417/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Growing food scene
- Plenty of shopping options
- Active local events
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Poor road conditions
- Not enough green space
Should I be concerned? Thanks! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
10 Replies
Jason F.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Downtown area are average. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Piper
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Nicholas H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Maya J.
I work in education here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is tough. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Wesley Ross
honestly same experience here
27 upvotes
Scarlett Thomas
not my experience at all
22 upvotes
Audrey N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 33, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Downtown and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
10 upvotes
Ashley B.
This.
9 upvotes
loving_nathan28
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 27, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in South and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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