My partner and I are Crime rate is something to consider -Wood-Ridge sits at 10.7 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned?
0 upvotes
7 Replies
Emilia Campbell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
matthew_heart
I've lived in South for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Evan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Pittsburgh it's better than expected.
26 upvotes
Sarah Parker
haha yep pretty much
18 upvotes
tucson_ezekiel
yeah no that's not right
11 upvotes
Luca Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. 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 high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation 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.