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George S.
moving
Relocating to Salem, NJ -pros and cons?
Alright, Is this normal for Salem? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Ariana R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Jack C.
+1
36 upvotes
Adrian Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Sunset schools are average. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Sunset schools are average. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Arianna Richardson
exactly what I was thinking
33 upvotes
Gabriel
Totally agree!
26 upvotes
Hudson Rogers
interesting, hadn't considered that
22 upvotes
desert_violet27
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor recreation is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
lalocal2025
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
fresno_daniel
couldn't agree more
14 upvotes
Valentina R.
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
seattle_victoria
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 29, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 29, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
9 upvotes
Emily
I'm a nurse and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Caroline Mitchell
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
4 upvotes
Maverick Adams
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Ethan
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
2 upvotes