Hi all, Median household income is $53,014, which feels on the lower side for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Orange sits at 287.9 per 100K. Rent is about $991/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
7 Replies
Josiah Brooks
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much wild but now it's tough.
40 upvotes
Aubrey Nguyen
I've lived in East for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The cultural scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Sarah
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Scarlett Myers
Moved here from New York about 8 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to weather but Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Brittany B.
noted, appreciate it
9 upvotes
Zoe Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 52, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Fairview and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Tampa, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
6 upvotes
Savannah Roberts
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
