Alright, Military spouse here. With a population of 37,589, New Albany is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Thoughts? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
24 upvotes
9 Replies
Peyton Brooks
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are surprisingly good. 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Easton A.
hard disagree but ok
38 upvotes
Cooper Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Jeremiah T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Joshua Murphy
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.
32 upvotes
Jack
This.
23 upvotes
Benjamin Cook
I'm a chef and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Oliver Young
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Maple Ridge area are underrated. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Elena R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is improving in most areas.
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