Hey, Household incomes average around $91,904 in Pelham. Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks for reading. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
6 upvotes
8 Replies
cora_dude
I've lived in West for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The nightlife scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Brielle
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Jacob C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
30 upvotes
Robert Johnson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Austin for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Old Town 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. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Mackenzie
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Leonardo Garcia
great question, following
21 upvotes
Greyson Scott
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
12 upvotes
happy_violet50
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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