First post here. I'm a 55-year-old writer and With a population of 7,896, South Boston is a small town. Household incomes average around $41,102 in South Boston. Homes are going for about $157,300 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
Pros:
- Good schools
- Diverse community
- Low taxes
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Limited nightlife
- High property taxes
- Far from major airports
- Homelessness issues downtown
Thanks in advance! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Ella Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 44, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in East and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
40 upvotes
Nicholas
lol so true
40 upvotes
Carter P.
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 Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Old Town schools are hit or miss. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
lalover2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Jacob Cooper
100%
27 upvotes
Waylon
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Gabriel Cook
preach
21 upvotes
Daniel M.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The food scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Nicholas Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in South. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like seafood.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Savannah Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from New York about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Helen B.
good to know, thanks
9 upvotes
Ethan Lee
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Luna Anderson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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