Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $125,305, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,925 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Is this normal for Braintree Town? Thanks in advance! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
29 upvotes
8 Replies
Nolan L.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
37 upvotes
Thomas E.
lol so true
30 upvotes
Nathan Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 29, moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Charlotte, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
28 upvotes
Arianna Allen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
26 upvotes
Serenity Jones
I've lived in Downtown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
orlandopapa2022
preach
6 upvotes
Rylee
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
3 upvotes
Logan B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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