Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $58,400 on average. With a population of 59,605, Youngstown is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Youngstown sits at 655.7 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. 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. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
24 upvotes
25 Replies
Addison Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty 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. South schools are challenging. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Luca J.
as a local I can confirm
35 upvotes
Jose Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 31, moved here 11 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in East and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Joseph Wood
thanks for sharing
30 upvotes
Wyatt
100%
30 upvotes
Zoey Cook
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much manageable but now it's better than expected.
28 upvotes
Silas Williams
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 13 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to nightlife but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
dc_skylar
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
Ellie Ramirez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Olivia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 6 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Mackenzie Ortiz
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much manageable but now it's hit or miss.
18 upvotes
Emily Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Jacob Baker
Came here for weather and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor recreation is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Hudson Myers
I've lived in West for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Jordan Rivera
Moved here from Denver about 10 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to cost of living but Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Gianna Clark
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is improving
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Eli N.
Moved here from Dallas about 5 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to housing market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
William D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 6 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. 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 a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Greyson Campbell
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Eastside area are tough. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Delilah
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
5 upvotes
Isaac
Came here for family and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
3 upvotes
Frances M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (The Heights) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
2 upvotes
Josiah Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 11 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. North schools are surprisingly 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Can feel isolated. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
1 upvotes
eli_mama
been saying this for years
0 upvotes
Savannah S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.