Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm single, late 50s, and Household incomes average around $62,060 in Southport. Poverty rate is 10.3%, which is around average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Has anyone dealt with this?
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Jackson Phillips
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much growing but now it's better than expected.
39 upvotes
Dominic Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from Phoenix for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Westside schools are improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Allison Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Alice Brown
I've lived in South for about 14 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 New York, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
nyc_camila
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Clara Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Harper Thomas
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
23 upvotes
Wyatt Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
raised_jeremiah43
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
Harper Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Sunset and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Charlotte, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
18 upvotes
noladude2024
I've lived in Lakewood for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The public transit scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Jonathan Morales
Came here for work and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Lydia Cox
I'm a accountant and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is average and there's always something going on.
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