So, I'm retired and With a population of 14,521, Salem Lakes is a small town. Median household income is $94,554, which feels pretty solid for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thoughts? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development.
6 upvotes
4 Replies
Aaron R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 33, moved here 15 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Downtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. better than expected 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
29 upvotes
Santiago Lopez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Ezra P.
Totally agree!
27 upvotes
Jace M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
