Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Mastic Beach sits at 22.0 per 100K. With a population of 16,382, Mastic Beach is a small town. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Mastic Beach?
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Piper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Valentina Ross
good to know, thanks
39 upvotes
native_easton54
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Peyton Reyes
I've lived in Sunset for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Sadie Phillips
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Willow
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
19 upvotes
Hunter Thomas
this is the way
12 upvotes
Lucy Smith
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Paisley Garcia
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
10 upvotes
Adeline Thomas
been saying this for years
6 upvotes
Noah Kelly
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
All Countries
