Not ideal for young professionals
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11/11/2020
My husband and I have lived here for over a year and it is hands down my least favorite place I’ve ever lived. We are prior military and have lived in many incredible places. Keep in mind we are a young married couple (late 20’s/early 30’s). I’ll give you my personal and very subjective pros and cons.
Pros:
Close to beautiful beaches.
Beautiful sunsets.
Traffic isn’t bad compared to bigger cities.
Close to Pensacola and Mobile.
Plenty of major chain restaurants and shopping.
It is relatively safe here.
There are fun touristy things for children (Owa, putt-putt, go-carts, etc.).
Small town feel - there’s only one high school in town.
Cost of living is low. You can buy a big house for a decent price.
Unemployment is low.
Not a lot of sketchy areas or people.
I’ve never seen a homeless person here.
Cons:
The downtown has very little appeal after dark. Everything is closed by 8p.m on a Friday
It is mostly retirees that live here - not good for young professionals.
The majority (not all) government and people in this town are not open to change. They hate that there are more people moving here. They are not progressive minded. They go off of the good ole boy mentality.
You get that Deep South ignorance - ie. woman are less of an equal and so are minorities type of mindset. I have heard many negative comments about “Yankees.” I have heard the N word used without discretion. Yuck.
The snowbirds that occupy the area half of the year can be very rude and are a burden on an already faltering system (think police and medical).
The hospitals here are not that good. I am a registered nurse and can say this with 100% confidence. It’s difficult to find a decent physician. Forget about any decent specialty work being done. I would go to Pensacola for anything major like giving birth.
It’s difficult to find a decent hair stylist as they are used to doing hair for the older crowd and not as privy on what’s in style.
There is no night life.
There are just not many younger professionals - when you go out to eat and look around it’s all middle aged or elderly. This isn’t necessarily bad but as a young person I personally need to be around people my age to form friendships and such.
searchingsoul | Foley, AL