Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in legal and Crime rate is something to consider -Berea sits at 40.8 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,032 for rent here. Poverty rate is 19.3%, which is higher than I expected. Homes are going for about $187,200 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Any advice would be great. TIA! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Ellie P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Downtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
32 upvotes
Jose Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
6 upvotes
Josiah
Bought a house here in 2019 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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