Curious what people think. With a population of 43,239, West Babylon is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -West Babylon sits at 119.0 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
27 upvotes
9 Replies
Amanda T.
yeah no that's not right
40 upvotes
Dylan S.
honestly same experience here
40 upvotes
ladude2021
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
39 upvotes
Cynthia B.
Moved here from Charlotte about 8 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to job market but Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Michael
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Hazel Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 6 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Adam Kelly
I work in engineering here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Daniel Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 32, moved here 14 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
9 upvotes
Ella J.
I've lived in Eastside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is average
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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