OK so You can expect to pay around $756 for rent here. Poverty rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 12,612, St. Marys is a small town. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Luca Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 28, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Sunset and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
37 upvotes
Evelyn N.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much competitive but now it's solid.
34 upvotes
Sophia T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Nashville it's underrated.
34 upvotes
Connor Williams
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
noladude2024
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Pine Hills area are decent. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Axel Roberts
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The nightlife is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Ian Gonzalez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Grayson
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in The Heights area are improving. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Colton
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Lakewood area are excellent. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Silas Lewis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Phoenix about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Nora Morris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Ethan Sanders
seconding this
10 upvotes
Delilah Harris
preach
6 upvotes
Evelyn L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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