Hey everyone, My partner and I are Rent is about $972/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -South Apopka sits at 362.9 per 100K. Homes are going for about $248,000 on average. The median home value here is around $248,000, which is actually reasonable. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks in advance! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
5 Replies
Mackenzie Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 1 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are underrated. 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. Nightlife is limited. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, 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.
22 upvotes
Miles Green
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 6 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Daniel M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
6 upvotes
desert_landon17
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Dominic
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
All Countries
