Been meaning to ask this. Median household income is $52,059, which feels on the lower side for the area. With a population of 12,865, St. Ann is a small town. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cheers. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Kaylee Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Francisco about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Sofia Ruiz
thanks for sharing
23 upvotes
Andrew P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 47, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
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