Considering Balch Springs vs Portland -help me decide
I'm single, late 50s, and Household incomes average around $70,528 in Balch Springs. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Is this normal for Balch Springs?
19 upvotes
8 Replies
Maverick Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 58, moved here 10 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
40 upvotes
Susan J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Carson White
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Leonardo Green
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community vibe is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Luca Gomez
nah I disagree
27 upvotes
Arthur J.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
23 upvotes
Kai Allen
Came here for school and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Jaxon M.
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
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