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Daniel Smith living

Is St. Augustine Beach getting better or worse?

Hello, I'm single, late 40s, and You can expect to pay around $1,700 for rent here. Median household income is $92,661, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
11 upvotes

8 Replies

Leo R.
nah I disagree
39 upvotes
Melanie Brooks
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Sunset area are tough. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Riley
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Pittsburgh it's hit or miss.
24 upvotes
cora_mama
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
eliana_fan
I've lived in South for about 12 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 Houston, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cultural scene scene is hit or miss

The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
urban_maverick83
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Eleanor Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in West for 6 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are solid. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Benjamin Wilson
Bought a house here in 2023 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
9 upvotes
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