Curious what people think. Crime rate is something to consider -New Carrollton sits at 253.2 per 100K. Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Bruce P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Alice D.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Naomi Chavez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 12 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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 underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Savannah Hughes
Can confirm, been here 10 years.
7 upvotes
Gabriel Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 51, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Riverside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.