So, I'm retired and Poverty rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Troy sits at 145.0 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Cooper
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Maria M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 52, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in The Heights and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
26 upvotes
Gabriel Ramirez
yep
24 upvotes
Jose Hernandez
seconding this
23 upvotes
Abigail W.
yeah no that's not right
21 upvotes
Kinsley
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Samantha G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 28, moved here 6 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Greenfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Nashville, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
18 upvotes
Judith T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in East and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
9 upvotes
Eli Hernandez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Atlanta it's decent.
9 upvotes
Dominic J.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
2 upvotes
lake_ezra55
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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