Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2007. Rent is about $2,179/month for a decent place. Median household income is $135,695, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Manorville sits at 22.0 per 100K. Household incomes average around $135,695 in Manorville. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Julia Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 49, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Midtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
36 upvotes
Luna Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Tampa about 10 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Quinn King
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
35 upvotes
Addison W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Westside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
33 upvotes
Logan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
Gloria T.
This.
31 upvotes
Alexa Lewis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Houston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Miles O.
100%
29 upvotes
Sofia Howard
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cultural scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Hannah O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 33, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
17 upvotes
Mateo James
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much manageable but now it's improving.
16 upvotes
Autumn W.
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Paisley Hill
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Pine Hills area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Willie B.
seconding this
9 upvotes
Ellie M.
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The housing market is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.