First post here. Crime rate is something to consider -Southmont sits at 574.6 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 2,127 people. Poverty rate is 4.8%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
15 upvotes
2 Replies
Shirley W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 14 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Everly Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Seattle 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 Riverside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
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