Longtime lurker here, Military spouse here. Median household income is $32,910, which feels on the lower side for the area. With a population of 12,108, Somerset is a small town. Rent is about $830/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Is this normal for Somerset? Thanks! Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Joyce F.
big facts right here
39 upvotes
Nevaeh Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
loving_mia60
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Asher K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 43, moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Midtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
21 upvotes
Adrian Jones
exactly what I was thinking
19 upvotes
Carter W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Meadowbrook and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. average 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 Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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