OK so I'm retired and Rent is about $1,644/month for a decent place. With a population of 9,714, South Amboy is a small town. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Hazel Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 2 years. Moved from Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
sophia_girl
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Alexander L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 52, moved here 6 years ago from New York. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. 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 New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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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