Been meaning to ask this. I'm originally from Pittsburgh and Crime rate is something to consider -Short Pump sits at 260.2 per 100K. Rent is about $1,804/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 28,177 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? Thanks for reading. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
3 upvotes
4 Replies
Aurora
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 42, moved here 8 years ago from Austin. I've lived in South and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
40 upvotes
Ava B.
spot on
31 upvotes
Luke Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Downtown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Michael Morgan
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in West area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
All Countries
