Curious what people think. Been living here since 2022. With a population of 3,366, Montgomery is a small town. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Leo Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 29, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
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 entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
20 upvotes
Roman Martinez
This.
13 upvotes
John Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..