Anyone else feel this way? With a population of 198K, Montgomery is a mid-size city. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
sunny_carson60
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Tampa about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Benjamin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 53, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Westside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
32 upvotes
Liam D.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Maverick White
facts
28 upvotes
Eleanor Richardson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
26 upvotes
Maya Mitchell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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