Couple moving to Saratoga Springs from out of state
Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2017. Rent is about $1,439/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 28,542, Saratoga Springs is a smaller city. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Worth the trade-offs? The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
6 upvotes
8 Replies
Isaiah Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 12 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are excellent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Lori L.
I've lived in South for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The dating scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
stl_lillian
good to know, thanks
29 upvotes
Ruby Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Hunter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 12 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
miami_john
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is excellent in most areas.
15 upvotes
Logan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 45, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. 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.
5 upvotes
Wesley Rogers
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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