OK so I've been here for 12 years and Homes are going for about $213,700 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Is this normal for Opelika? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
10 Replies
Caleb
great question, following
33 upvotes
David C.
seconding this
32 upvotes
Riley Harris
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much reasonable but now it's pretty good.
27 upvotes
Everly A.
this is the way
17 upvotes
Amelia Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 14 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government 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 rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Road conditions need improvement. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Cora Kim
I've lived in South for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The job market scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Anthony K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 35, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Uptown and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
10 upvotes
David Price
same here
8 upvotes
Alice Howard
facts
6 upvotes
indyvibes2021
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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