Random thought, Been living here since 2016. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,862/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Palmetto Bay sits at 173.9 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 24,247 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Would love some local perspective. Appreciate any input. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
1 upvotes
2 Replies
Christian Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 26, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
29 upvotes
Scott P.
I've lived in Midtown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cultural scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..