I'm a teacher here and It's a a small town city with about 2,163 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Ramapo College of New Jersey sits at 67.7 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Has anyone dealt with this? Any help is appreciated. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
tampa_reagan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to New York it's challenging.
40 upvotes
Abigail Nelson
Bought a house here in 2018 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
39 upvotes
Cameron
as a local I can confirm
26 upvotes
Ezra Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Ian E.
yep
11 upvotes
Lucas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 28, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Midtown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
7 upvotes
Matthew Carter
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Mexican places. it's been a really good experience overall.
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