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Elena
moving
Moving to Passaic for work -advice?
We're a young couple and The weather takes some getting used to. Does this match your experience?
26 upvotes
30 Replies
Liam Price
literally same
40 upvotes
Hannah Patel
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
38 upvotes
Claire Y.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Julian M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Ellie Cooper
great question, following
30 upvotes
Julia Hernandez
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Olivia Garcia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Westside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Westside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
26 upvotes
vegasdude2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Caroline Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
indy_adeline
honestly same experience here
21 upvotes
Abigail H.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Meadowbrook area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Kinsley Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 2 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 2 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
wesley_dude
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Lakewood area are challenging. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Katherine Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Gabriel L.
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
16 upvotes
Mateo Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 47, moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Baltimore, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
Background: I'm a project manager, 47, moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Baltimore, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
15 upvotes
Parker
honestly same experience here
14 upvotes
Henry Richardson
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Indian places. the quality of life is solid.
14 upvotes
Elijah
exactly what I was thinking
14 upvotes
Lucas R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Stella
it depends on the neighborhood
11 upvotes
Jeremiah G.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Sadie Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Dallas for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are better than expected. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Dallas for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are better than expected. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Scarlett Moore
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Philip L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Genesis Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Nova Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 25, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in North and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 25, moved here 4 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in North and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
7 upvotes
Melanie Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
Mason Price
Totally agree!
7 upvotes
Dominic Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. 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. The Heights schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. 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. The Heights schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes