Not sure if this has been asked before, but Household incomes average around $52,996 in Lecanto. Median household income is $52,996, which feels on the lower side for the area. The median home value here is around $293,900, which seems about average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What do you all think? Appreciate any input. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Ezekiel Kelly
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- The safety scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
camila_living
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Quinn Nelson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Waylon B.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Maria M.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The weather is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Leonardo W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 7 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills 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. Limited shopping options. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
23 upvotes
Reagan Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 47, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Springfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
15 upvotes
Adam Hall
Bought a house here in 2022 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
9 upvotes
Donna M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 13 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are average. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Violet Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 51, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. excellent 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.