Thinking about relocating to South Hempstead from Kansas City
Anyone else feel this way? I'm a 49-year-old software engineer and Household incomes average around $175,741 in South Hempstead. You can expect to pay around $2,588 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I wrong here? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. 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. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Lydia Roberts
not my experience at all
39 upvotes
Ava
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 30, moved here 4 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.
37 upvotes
Weston J.
not my experience at all
36 upvotes
Wesley Lewis
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
35 upvotes
Stella Bennett
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Quinn Castillo
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Hannah M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Richard M.
wish I knew this sooner
23 upvotes
Vivian Brooks
seconding this
16 upvotes
lasoul2022
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
15 upvotes
Mason Gray
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
13 upvotes
Joseph Wright
I've lived in Westside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The public transit scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Weston Cooper
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Korean places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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