First post here. Just moved here 8 months ago and The median home value here is around $406,500, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $56,780 in Passaic. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What are your go-to spots? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
11 upvotes
16 Replies
Adeline E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 2 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Chain restaurants dominate. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Jeremiah Harris
I work in government here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is challenging. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Dylan Wilson
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
39 upvotes
Clara
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Eleanor R.
exactly what I was thinking
36 upvotes
Piper
hard disagree but ok
30 upvotes
Eli P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in finance. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Samuel Brown
preach
23 upvotes
Connor Jackson
underrated comment
22 upvotes
Cooper Price
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
18 upvotes
sf_isaac
good to know, thanks
15 upvotes
Aurora Rodriguez
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
14 upvotes
Riley R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 45, moved here 13 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Springfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
9 upvotes
John Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Jayden Hill
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much stable but now it's tough.
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