Random thought, I'm a college student here and With a population of 105K, Brockton is a mid-size city. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Anyone in a similar situation? The weather takes some getting used to.
49 upvotes
28 Replies
Jack
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to traffic but No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Connor Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Wesley Torres
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Amelia Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 38, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
33 upvotes
proud_kai69
yep
31 upvotes
Josiah Stewart
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
happy_david33
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
Aurora Garcia
nah I disagree
29 upvotes
Henry Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Cora
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
26 upvotes
Jose
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Skylar K.
I've lived in South for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Jack W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Joseph
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely average and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (East) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
23 upvotes
Sofia Gutierrez
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Ariana Brown
honestly same experience here
22 upvotes
Aurora King
I've lived in West for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Jayden
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Colton Foster
100%
17 upvotes
Thomas Hill
100%
17 upvotes
Eva Harris
This.
16 upvotes
Ashley A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Leo Sanders
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
14 upvotes
Allison Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 8 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. South schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Santiago White
as a local I can confirm
8 upvotes
Wesley Peterson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
Jayden Ramos
lol so true
5 upvotes
Adam N.
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
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