Random thought, I work in engineering and You can expect to pay around $1,109 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Schenectady sits at 806.1 per 100K. Homes are going for about $152,000 on average. Rent is about $1,109/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Ralph F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (East) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
32 upvotes
Kinsley Davis
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Aaron Turner
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Joseph Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Caroline
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
18 upvotes
Olivia Reyes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Kaylee Roberts
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Elizabeth
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Cameron
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Victoria Evans
Totally agree!
13 upvotes
Savannah Hughes
yep
12 upvotes
Hailey Gutierrez
been saying this for years
12 upvotes
Elena Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Greenfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
11 upvotes
Nevaeh Stewart
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is improving in most areas.
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