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Emilia Sanchez
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Working in Port Arthur -salaries realistic?
Anyone else feel this way? Been living here since 2023. Worth the trade-offs?
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Jordan R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
33 upvotes
seattle_ezekiel
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is tough in most areas.
32 upvotes
Kennedy O.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Debra M.
I've lived in South for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Melanie
it depends on the neighborhood
26 upvotes
nycnative2022
I work in retail here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is improving. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Paul C.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
22 upvotes
Waylon Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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 chef, 39, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
William L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from LA about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a chef who relocated here from LA about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Gabriel Flores
underrated comment
14 upvotes
nycnative2020
Bought a house here in 2015 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
9 upvotes
Ella Wilson
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Aria F.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Sofia Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes