First post here. We have two kids and Crime rate is something to consider -Manheim sits at 514.5 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 5,028 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this? TIA! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Nevaeh
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cost of living is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Aria H.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The walkability is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Paul M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Raleigh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Valentina Wood
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Evan Turner
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Olivia P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Jacob Kelly
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Serenity Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 49, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Westside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
22 upvotes
Kaylee Brown
exactly what I was thinking
21 upvotes
Brooks S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is average in most areas.
13 upvotes
Avery Jones
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
12 upvotes
Hailey Castillo
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Miami it's decent.
9 upvotes
isla_mind
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
8 upvotes
Piper Carter
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Fairview) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
4 upvotes
Camila Williams
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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