Hello, We have two kids and With a population of 9,062, Orange Park is a small town. Rent is about $1,355/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
fresno_zoey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering 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 decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are better than expected. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
phillymama2024
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Ella Thompson
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
31 upvotes
Wyatt Morris
Moved here from Portland about 4 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to job market but No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Brian C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Clara C.
wish I knew this sooner
5 upvotes
Anna
I'm a accountant and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
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