Hi all, Crime rate is something to consider -Princeton sits at 31.6 per 100K. Rent is about $2,448/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $2,448 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
16 upvotes
3 Replies
Joseph Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Claire Garcia
glad someone said it
16 upvotes
Santiago Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 54, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Lakewood and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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