Anyone else feel this way? I work in marketing and Rent is about $1,790/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $60,248 in New Brunswick. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
23 upvotes
10 Replies
Mateo Cooper
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely solid and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Westside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
40 upvotes
phillyheart2022
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Hunter Ramos
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor recreation is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Alexander H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Natalie Roberts
big facts right here
28 upvotes
Kaylee T.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
kcfan2024
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
madeline_rider
as a local I can confirm
17 upvotes
Nova Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 26, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.