All Countries
Ruby Davis
moving
Moving to Union City -what should I know?
Curious what people think. Household incomes average around $45,523 in Union City. Worth the trade-offs?
6 upvotes
14 Replies
Michael P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Claire Ramos
nah I disagree
35 upvotes
born_amelia54
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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 cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
28 upvotes
Lucas Torres
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Landon
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great seafood places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
27 upvotes
houston_elijah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
victoria_guy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Caleb Jimenez
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
24 upvotes
Betty P.
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Xavier Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 29, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
Background: I'm a accountant, 29, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
15 upvotes
Anna Foster
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Houston it's hit or miss.
13 upvotes
wild_asher45
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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 nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
8 upvotes
Isabelle A.
accurate
5 upvotes
Everett R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
0 upvotes