I'm single, late 30s, and With a population of 23,851, Somerset is a small town. Homes are going for about $408,600 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Axel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 9 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
proud_gabriella57
thanks for sharing
22 upvotes
Hunter M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 41, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
18 upvotes
Linda J.
Moved here from Austin about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to cost of living but No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
John Morris
haha yep pretty much
16 upvotes
Emily C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Eleanor Sanchez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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