Hey everyone, With a population of 51,262, Summerville is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 51,262 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Looking forward to hearing from you all. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
25 upvotes
9 Replies
Lillian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Austin Anderson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Anna Howard
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The cultural scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Wesley Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Anna Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Atlanta about 3 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Carson Hall
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Anna Brooks
wish I knew this sooner
8 upvotes
Patrick G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
Landon Ross
I've lived in Springfield for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
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