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Benjamin Rogers best-worst

Best kept secrets of Westerly, RI

Random thought, Poverty rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $400,200, which is pretty steep. Rent is about $1,243/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
4 upvotes

3 Replies

Roy S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.

Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options

Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options

Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.

Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Addison Ramirez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value safety, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.

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.
7 upvotes
Nicholas R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's underrated for what you get.

Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in government you might struggle.

People: Generally better than expected. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.

Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
1 upvotes
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