I'm retired and Crime rate is something to consider -Wethersfield sits at 88.4 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $300,500 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 27,180 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What do you all think? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Elijah Sanders
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great seafood places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
38 upvotes
Thomas Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 29, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
34 upvotes
Jackson Murphy
Bought a house here in 2022 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
31 upvotes
Audrey Murphy
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong sense of community
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Addison Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Mark R.
I work in legal here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is challenging. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Weston James
Totally agree!
22 upvotes
Aiden L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Seattle about 10 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Delilah Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Brenda R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 5 years. Moved from Boston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Aaliyah Thompson
I work in education here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Josiah Perez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
6 upvotes
Camila Gomez
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Thai places. I love the pace of life here.
3 upvotes
Wesley R.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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