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columbus_aiden
moving
Relocating to Montgomery, PA -pros and cons?
Been meaning to ask this. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Angel
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Wesley James
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Landon Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
29 upvotes
Everly King
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Carson Nguyen
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- The traffic scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- The traffic scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Wyatt Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Dallas about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Dallas about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Ethan Brown
honestly same experience here
18 upvotes
Colton C.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
18 upvotes
Julia C.
as a local I can confirm
16 upvotes
Ryan Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Nevaeh
thanks for sharing
13 upvotes
Owen Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Zoe P.
Used to live on the West side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
7 upvotes
Isaiah Lewis
noted, appreciate it
5 upvotes
Aiden S.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much reasonable but now it's decent.
3 upvotes