Anyone else feel this way? My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $60,348 in Red Bank. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Does this match your experience?
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Nova Garcia
Came here for work and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The housing market is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Alexa G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 54, moved here 14 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
22 upvotes
Karen R.
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
14 upvotes
Charlotte Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Leonardo Hernandez
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..