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housing
Is Nantucket still affordable?
First post here. I relocated for work and Median household income is $109,988, which feels pretty solid for the area.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Margaret Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in West and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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 project manager, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in West and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
34 upvotes
Isaac Gonzalez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in finance. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in finance. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Elizabeth Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (The Heights) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (The Heights) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
29 upvotes
Valentina Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Roy J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Camila A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Luna Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Uptown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Uptown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
13 upvotes
Harold C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 11 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Pine Hills for 11 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Tyler T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Baltimore about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Baltimore about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Lily R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Everett T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
Nicholas G.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. I love the pace of life here.
6 upvotes
Sophie Wright
Came here for weather and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The pet-friendliness is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
charlotte_jack
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The cost of living is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes