Longtime lurker here, We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 6,179 people. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Old Bethpage sits at 22.0 per 100K. Homes are going for about $866,000 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Does this match your experience? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Madelyn Green
seconding this
36 upvotes
Genesis J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 32, moved here 1 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Fairview and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
32 upvotes
John C.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Olivia Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Ellie Castillo
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Chloe Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (The Heights) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene 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.
16 upvotes
sadie_heart
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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