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Scarlett Howard moving

Thinking about relocating to New Paltz from Los Angeles

Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 16 months ago and Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,630 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Would love some local perspective. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to.
6 upvotes

8 Replies

James Nguyen
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- The job market scene is underrated

The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Madeline Murphy
Totally agree!
30 upvotes
Eva Clark
bump
25 upvotes
Wesley W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's tough for what you get.

Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in education you might struggle.

People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Indian.

Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Abigail R.
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Emily F.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Andrew Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value weather, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.

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.
12 upvotes
James R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.

I've been here 3 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
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