Hi all, I work in finance and Crime rate is something to consider -Stony Brook sits at 22.0 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Ezekiel Sanchez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Boston it's decent.
35 upvotes
Bennett James
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Ariana Collins
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Ryan R.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Madelyn Harris
this is the way
23 upvotes
Santiago Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
real_ruby35
Totally agree!
21 upvotes
Vivian M.
facts
19 upvotes
Leo Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from Dallas for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are average. 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
addison_guy
I've lived in Midtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Skylar Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 3 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails 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 excellent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
eva_native
been saying this for years
8 upvotes
Virginia M.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
4 upvotes
Arianna Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from Chicago for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are challenging. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Wesley Morales
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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