I'm retired and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 18,368, Ronkonkoma is a small town. You can expect to pay around $2,275 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Hailey Lee
Totally agree!
39 upvotes
Alice B.
wish I knew this sooner
37 upvotes
Alice Cox
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
31 upvotes
Addison
thanks for sharing
29 upvotes
Jonathan A.
following this thread
28 upvotes
Asher K.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
12 upvotes
Emilia Ortiz
literally same
11 upvotes
Benjamin Reyes
I've lived in Old Town for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Joseph S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
8 upvotes
Nicholas Hughes
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The nightlife is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Quinn Morales
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 13 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Logan Green
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in finance. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Samuel Flores
I work in legal here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is average. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
3 upvotes
Nevaeh
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 26, moved here 9 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Old Town and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. solid 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 Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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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