I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $80,473, which feels pretty solid for the area. Household incomes average around $80,473 in St. Augustine. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Jayden Adams
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Quinn Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 37, moved here 4 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
39 upvotes
coastal_piper98
noted, appreciate it
31 upvotes
Audrey Gray
I've lived in Oak Park for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Sebastian C.
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Doris O.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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