OK so I've been here for 14 years and The median home value here is around $356,200, which seems about average. Median household income is $98,451, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Is this normal for Valrico? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
28 upvotes
6 Replies
Savannah Mitchell
been saying this for years
15 upvotes
Karen K.
Moved here from Portland about 11 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Delilah B.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Sunset area are average. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Logan Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Leo Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Fairview and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
1 upvotes
desert_serenity35
Moved here from Chicago about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to nightlife but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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