I'm retired and Household incomes average around $81,957 in Ozona. With a population of 2,485, Ozona is a small town. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Any advice would be great. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Lucas C.
I work in finance here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Everly Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 49, moved here 10 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in North and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
38 upvotes
Melanie
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in construction. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Aubrey Sanders
Moved here last year, no regrets.
33 upvotes
Sarah Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Westside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. challenging 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 Denver, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Jace W.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
32 upvotes
James Thompson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are challenging. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Eli Taylor
I work in government here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is decent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Kayden Lewis
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is improving in most areas.
22 upvotes
Oliver Robinson
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
Michael Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 5 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Dominic
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Maya Anderson
I've lived in Eastside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- The food scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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