Hello, Been living here since 2010. Household incomes average around $86,048 in South Patrick Shores. The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -South Patrick Shores sits at 115.6 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Thanks for reading. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Audrey Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Charlotte about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Zoey Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 43, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Henry Price
good to know, thanks
40 upvotes
zoe_heart
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Isabella Smith
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Jaxon Castillo
bump
36 upvotes
Mia Chavez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Axel Bennett
Moved here last year, no regrets.
26 upvotes
Madelyn Harris
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Jace Gutierrez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Carter P.
following this thread
19 upvotes
Kathryn W.
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The dating scene is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..