Curious what people think. Rent is about $1,414/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $295,700 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Is this normal for Summerville? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Lisa W.
I've lived in South for about 8 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Kennedy F.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Everly Ward
This.
29 upvotes
abigail_mind
wish I knew this sooner
28 upvotes
Eli Chavez
I've lived in Downtown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Christian Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
21 upvotes
Violet Garcia
This.
10 upvotes
Leonardo Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Levi
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Everett A.
Moved here from Houston about 12 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to healthcare but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Jace Brooks
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
John Morris
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Westside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
3 upvotes
Carson Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. construction 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are solid. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
