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Jonathan Edwards moving

Moving to Desoto Lakes with kids -good idea?

OK so It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes

7 Replies

Madelyn Gutierrez
underrated comment
40 upvotes
Eliana H.
couldn't agree more
39 upvotes
Santiago Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely underrated and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Riverside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.

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.
35 upvotes
Austin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a software engineer who relocated here from New York about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.

Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights

Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer

Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is solid.

Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Stella D.
I've lived in Westside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The weather scene is tough

The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated

Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Benjamin Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a electrician, 47, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Greenfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good airport with direct flights
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. excellent 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.

**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
19 upvotes
Kinsley Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a social worker, 39, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Westside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.

**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
18 upvotes
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