Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Is this normal for Summerville? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
24 upvotes
26 Replies
Greyson Rodriguez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Declan Wright
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Miles
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Sofia A.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Cora Miller
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Miami it's decent.
33 upvotes
Mason Thompson
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Ezekiel
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Jordan A.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is average in most areas.
32 upvotes
Christian Martinez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is underrated in most areas.
28 upvotes
Isla Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 42, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Lakewood and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
26 upvotes
Asher Bailey
good to know, thanks
25 upvotes
Claire Rivera
honestly same experience here
25 upvotes
Adam Rogers
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Benjamin Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in construction. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
vegas_kennedy
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Henry Anderson
following this thread
20 upvotes
Silas Gutierrez
100%
20 upvotes
Sadie Edwards
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
gianna_guy
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Luke S.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Quinn Morales
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Roman Robinson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Isla Diaz
interesting, hadn't considered that
6 upvotes
Gianna Morales
interesting, hadn't considered that
5 upvotes
real_bennett82
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
cool_maya82
I've lived in Uptown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
All Countries
