Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 12.3%, which is around average. Crime rate is something to consider -Lufkin sits at 517.5 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 34,158 people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. 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. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
27 upvotes
18 Replies
Adam B.
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much manageable but now it's surprisingly good.
39 upvotes
Scarlett G.
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Dylan Price
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Eva Wright
wish I knew this sooner
38 upvotes
Camila King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Daniel Carter
this is the way
36 upvotes
James T.
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
Lydia Howard
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Adeline Lewis
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Tampa it's pretty good.
24 upvotes
Allison A.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
23 upvotes
Victoria Ward
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Westside area are improving. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Eugene P.
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Thai places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
14 upvotes
Sadie Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Jameson Hall
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
8 upvotes
Alice D.
Came here for weather and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The safety is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Valentina Bailey
glad someone said it
3 upvotes
Gabriel A.
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
1 upvotes
Nova White
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Springfield area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
All Countries
