Hi all, I'm originally from Pittsburgh and Crime rate is something to consider -Wade Hampton sits at 810.7 per 100K. Rent is about $1,064/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for Wade Hampton? The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
11 upvotes
5 Replies
Ellie G.
spot on
40 upvotes
Angel Mitchell
I'm a pharmacist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Cooper R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Old Town schools are excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
jaxon_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 33, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Springfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
4 upvotes
Paisley Morris
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The community vibe is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
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