Hi all, I'm a remote worker and It's a a small town city with about 13,824 people. Rent is about $2,662/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $146,681 in Newington. With a population of 13,824, Newington is a small town. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Aaron Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
36 upvotes
Weston
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 52, moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Fairview and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. excellent 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
31 upvotes
Harper J.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Wesley
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The nightlife is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Sadie Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.