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Gabriel Murphy moving

Couple moving to Southwood Acres from out of state

Hi all, I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $247,400 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Southwood Acres sits at 119.1 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,493 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What do you all think? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
5 upvotes

6 Replies

David W.
not my experience at all
38 upvotes
Emilia Taylor
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
sdkid2026
lol so true
29 upvotes
Nora O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a nurse, 28, moved here 15 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Cedar Grove and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.

**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
11 upvotes
Olivia E.
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Bennett W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
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