Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 9.4%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 31,162 people. The unemployment rate is 5.1%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Port Chester sits at 25.0 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I wrong here? Cheers. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
28 upvotes
6 Replies
Julia
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Josiah B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 3 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Emma C.
exactly what I was thinking
9 upvotes
leo_fan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (East) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.