Hi all, I'm originally from Nashville and With a population of 29,748, Rahway is a smaller city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
18 upvotes
6 Replies
Gabriel Jackson
I've lived in Downtown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The safety scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
David Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 54, moved here 13 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Highland and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Nashville, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
23 upvotes
boston_jordan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Boston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Vincent J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
19 upvotes
Evelyn Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are excellent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Scarlett P.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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