Hi all, Crime rate is something to consider -Youngstown sits at 655.7 per 100K. Household incomes average around $34,746 in Youngstown. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Should I be concerned?
17 upvotes
11 Replies
Brooklyn Davis
nah I disagree
29 upvotes
Josiah Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Riverside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
19 upvotes
austinheart2022
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
19 upvotes
Sadie
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Aaliyah R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like seafood.
No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Luna Lee
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Lucas Wilson
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
7 upvotes
Gabriel Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 11 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Skylar Flores
yep
3 upvotes
Olivia Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 44, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Lakewood and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
0 upvotes
Elena J.
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
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