Hey folks, Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -St. Simons sits at 1,414.0 per 100K. The median home value here is around $484,100, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development.
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Carter Ortiz
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40 upvotes
Robert Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 58, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
11 upvotes
Caroline Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Miami about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
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