Hey everyone, With a population of 93,915, Toms River is a smaller city. It's a a smaller city city with about 93,915 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Let me know your thoughts. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
Willow M.
I work in government here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is underrated. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Noah Parker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
34 upvotes
Jameson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
coastal_joseph69
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Ella Parker
100%
31 upvotes
Kevin H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Beverly H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Miami it's surprisingly good.
21 upvotes
charlotte_jameson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Raleigh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Hunter Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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