So, Homes are going for about $131,800 on average. You can expect to pay around $888 for rent here. Poverty rate is 9.8%, which is pretty low. With a population of 10,637, St. Albans is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What do you all think? Thanks for reading. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
14 Replies
portland_josiah
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
33 upvotes
Maya Reed
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Miami it's improving.
30 upvotes
Aaron L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Chloe Hernandez
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 9 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 Diego, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Linda W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (North) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
21 upvotes
Noah Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 24, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
20 upvotes
Benjamin Phillips
I work in legal here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is underrated. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Aaron Hughes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Aurora R.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Robert Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are tough. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Jacob Gray
Saving this thread
4 upvotes
Julian Ward
it depends on the neighborhood
3 upvotes
Jack Kelly
accurate
3 upvotes
Alan C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Seattle about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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