Been meaning to ask this. The median home value here is around $532,100, which is pretty steep. With a population of 25,699, Palm City is a smaller city. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Palm City? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Ava Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 58, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Raleigh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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
Willow
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
phillygirl2024
exactly what I was thinking
34 upvotes
Nicholas Rodriguez
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Nicholas Smith
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The food scene is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Ryan Parker
noted, appreciate it
28 upvotes
Benjamin Ruiz
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
25 upvotes
Valentina Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 11 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Cedar Grove schools are pretty good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Addison G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (North) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Lily Richardson
noted, appreciate it
7 upvotes
Robert H.
Moved here from Tampa about 10 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to community vibe but Good luck with whatever you decide..
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