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Nathan Baker
moving
What to expect moving to Talladega?
Hi all, Median household income is $46,820, which feels on the lower side for the area
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Nicholas Ortiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Maya Gutierrez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Isabella
thanks for sharing
29 upvotes
Cheryl R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Sharon E.
Used to live on the South side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
23 upvotes
Serenity Castillo
Totally agree!
21 upvotes
Wyatt Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 14 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. East schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in East for 14 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. East schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Paisley James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 56, moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a electrician, 56, moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
15 upvotes
Isabella Walker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Allison
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is improving in most areas.
10 upvotes
Angela T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Fairview) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Fairview) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
2 upvotes
Serenity R.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
1 upvotes