Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $115,037 in Uniondale. Median household income is $115,037, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $511,300, which is pretty steep. Crime rate is something to consider -Uniondale sits at 26.2 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Would love some local perspective. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
24 upvotes
14 Replies
Leah B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 42, moved here 1 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
38 upvotes
Clara Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are surprisingly good. 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 high-paying job options. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Everett Collins
lol so true
29 upvotes
Autumn Rivera
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Portland about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Daniel Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Carter Price
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Landon S.
thanks for sharing
23 upvotes
Owen Long
it depends on the neighborhood
21 upvotes
autumn_runner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are pretty good. 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. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Kevin A.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Denver it's solid.
17 upvotes
Eva Miller
I work in legal here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Hudson Williams
same here
14 upvotes
Christian Gutierrez
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great sushi places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
10 upvotes
Gregory S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Dallas about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
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