What I wish I knew before living in New Kensington
Hi all, With a population of 12,072, New Kensington is a small town. It's a a small town city with about 12,072 people. The median home value here is around $132,400, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $49,644, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Anna Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are pretty 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
raleighnative2024
interesting, hadn't considered that
33 upvotes
Kinsley Scott
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Vivian Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely solid and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
27 upvotes
Justin R.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
27 upvotes
Gregory S.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
David Lewis
hard disagree but ok
12 upvotes
Julia B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are average. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Eleanor Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Benjamin Murphy
accurate
5 upvotes
Leah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
mesaheart2020
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (East) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
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