OK so I'm a 36-year-old contractor and It's a a small town city with about 5,856 people. The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $73,862 in Swartz Creek. Crime rate is something to consider -Swartz Creek sits at 160.5 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $995 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Benjamin James
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
julia_living
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 38, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
20 upvotes
Leo Gonzalez
I'm a software engineer and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
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