So, Just moved here 12 months ago and Crime rate is something to consider -Odenton sits at 132.9 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $2,174 for rent here. Rent is about $2,174/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $408,400 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
18 upvotes
18 Replies
houston_joseph
I've lived in South for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Elizabeth Brown
Moved here from New York about 12 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to safety but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Harper Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Joshua P.
nah I disagree
35 upvotes
Ezekiel S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely underrated and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
34 upvotes
Noah Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in consulting. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Angel R.
Bought a house here in 2015 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Melanie A.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
21 upvotes
Piper D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Jose White
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Jonathan Walker
same here
18 upvotes
Sofia
been saying this for years
17 upvotes
Isla
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Andrew Myers
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Meadowbrook area are solid. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
Rylee Ramirez
glad someone said it
10 upvotes
Silas White
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Mason Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Miami about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Maya Ramirez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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