I've been here for 8 years and The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -New Paltz sits at 890.2 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Thanks for reading. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
4 Replies
Emmett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (East) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. job 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.
30 upvotes
Daniel Myers
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Logan Foster
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Willow
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Lakewood and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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