I'm a 55-year-old pharmacist and Household incomes average around $47,439 in Lebanon. The median home value here is around $143,200, which is actually reasonable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for Lebanon? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
28 upvotes
21 Replies
Emilia Ramirez
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Ryan Hughes
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
sunny_jordan2
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Asher Murphy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Sadie Ross
I'm a social worker and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Christian Hughes
noted, appreciate it
23 upvotes
Alexander A.
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Eliana
big facts right here
19 upvotes
Paisley Alvarez
literally same
18 upvotes
matthew_lover
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Ellie Roberts
I've lived in Riverside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Alice Roberts
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Aubrey Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are solid. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Kai Lopez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is challenging in most areas.
14 upvotes
Robert L.
as a local I can confirm
13 upvotes
Ethan G.
I've lived in Westside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Aaron C.
it depends on the neighborhood
10 upvotes
Eric M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
10 upvotes
John Mendoza
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Alexander Bailey
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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