Hi all, I'm retired and Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 16,052, Southern Pines is a small town. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned?
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Jackson R.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
39 upvotes
charlotte_bennett
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Jack W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
29 upvotes
Colton Gray
haha yep pretty much
27 upvotes
Maverick M.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
William Taylor
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Mia Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 1 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are solid. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Nathan Martin
nah I disagree
7 upvotes
austin_hudson
I work in healthcare here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
