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la_eva housing

Rent vs buy in Oxford -what makes sense?

First post here. It's a a smaller city city with about 26,086 people. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
12 upvotes

3 Replies

Thomas Evans
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Samuel Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a data analyst, 31, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
11 upvotes
Brooklyn Sanders
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is excellent

The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate

Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
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