Not sure if this has been asked before, but We have two kids and Household incomes average around $87,788 in Trenton. Poverty rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $209,700, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,354/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Jordan Rogers
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Cedar Grove area are average. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Daniel Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 44, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Oak Park and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
33 upvotes
Ian Wilson
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's been a really good experience overall.
33 upvotes
Zoe Wright
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
28 upvotes
Axel R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Minneapolis about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Anna H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Grace Howard
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Gabriel Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 8 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. 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 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Jaxon K.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
21 upvotes
Amelia Williams
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much reasonable but now it's average.
20 upvotes
Valentina Bennett
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
14 upvotes
real_kai26
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to community vibe but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Olivia Hall
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
All Countries
