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Grayson Howard best-worst

Best hidden gems in Port St. Joe

I've been here for 3 years and With a population of 3,499, Port St. Joe is a small town. Homes are going for about $280,600 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,342 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.

Pros:
- Good job market
- Growing food scene
- Diverse community
- Low taxes
- Good internet infrastructure

Cons:
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Boring for young people
- Chain restaurants dominate
The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes

4 Replies

Christian J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value school system, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.

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
Evan Hughes
I'm a physical therapist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Santiago Campbell
I've lived in South for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is improving

The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer

Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Liam Perez
it depends on the neighborhood
2 upvotes
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