Crime rate is something to consider -Smyrna sits at 390.6 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,366 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. 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. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
16 Replies
Addison Martinez
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Miles Williams
noted, appreciate it
37 upvotes
Emma Young
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The walkability is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Sarah G.
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
31 upvotes
Hudson
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is average and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
ian_native
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Marilyn C.
big facts right here
27 upvotes
Silas Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Avery Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Seattle about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Liam
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to LA it's excellent.
14 upvotes
Hudson Phillips
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.
14 upvotes
Mason Sanders
literally same
6 upvotes
Dominic P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Adeline Ruiz
Moved here from Tampa about 13 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to food scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Ruby
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
1 upvotes
Willow
I'm a nurse and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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