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Sophia Brown
housing
Is Smithtown still affordable?
Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2008. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Weston H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Eva Lee
great question, following
36 upvotes
Colton Edwards
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The walkability is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Lucy Jimenez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 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 LA, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Waylon Gutierrez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Weston
underrated comment
20 upvotes
Elena Roberts
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Bella
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Luca Ross
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Jackson Nguyen
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to LA it's decent.
10 upvotes
Quinn Young
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Oliver
I've lived in Westside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
1 upvotes
Clara Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 25, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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 real estate agent, 25, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
0 upvotes