Not sure if this has been asked before, but Crime rate is something to consider -St. Marys sits at 12.2 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 8,319 people. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
4 upvotes
11 Replies
Easton
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Springfield) is established 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 Limited public transit options.
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.
39 upvotes
Ezekiel Kelly
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
proud_christian22
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much competitive but now it's hit or miss.
33 upvotes
Sophia Gutierrez
hard disagree but ok
25 upvotes
Cora Brown
I've lived in Westside for about 14 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 Miami, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Claire Murphy
this is the way
21 upvotes
Adam Myers
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The traffic scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Emmett Cox
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
19 upvotes
mountain_sarah97
lol so true
19 upvotes
Mackenzie Mitchell
I work in education here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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