Crime rate is something to consider -Sangaree sits at 297.0 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
8 Replies
Alice R.
I work in real estate here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is average. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Isla Lewis
I've lived in West for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Dominic
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Miami about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Claire Allen
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Asian places. I love the pace of life here.
28 upvotes
Zoe Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 36, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Downtown and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
18 upvotes
Savannah B.
Bought a house here in 2024 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
13 upvotes
Jack Ross
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is challenging in most areas.
7 upvotes
Oliver Collins
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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