OK so I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 72--F, so it's warm year-round. Rent is about $1,638/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Is this normal for New Smyrna Beach? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
25 upvotes
16 Replies
Alexander C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Valentina M.
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Charlotte Perez
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Madelyn Harris
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Cynthia M.
I work in government here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is better than expected. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Leo C.
Bought a house here in 2019 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
25 upvotes
Christian Morales
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is improving in most areas.
23 upvotes
Thomas Ross
This.
19 upvotes
Weston Brown
underrated comment
16 upvotes
kayden_rider
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 1 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Julia
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Fairview area are improving. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Mason D.
nah I disagree
9 upvotes
Luke Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are excellent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Gabriel Nguyen
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is improving in most areas.
8 upvotes
Mateo Nguyen
noted, appreciate it
5 upvotes
Sarah Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Seattle about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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