I grew up here but left for a while. With a population of 8,192, Raritan is a small town. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Isaac Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Adrian Rogers
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
nyc_eli
lol so true
32 upvotes
Aurora Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 12 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Austin, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
Susan S.
literally same
14 upvotes
Liam T.
as a local I can confirm
14 upvotes
Emma T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Delilah Edwards
Moved here from San Diego about 14 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to food scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Brielle
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
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