So, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -DeSoto sits at 325.8 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts?
21 upvotes
13 Replies
houstonkid2026
thanks for sharing
40 upvotes
Lydia M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 28, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. decent 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Dylan Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 27, moved here 15 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
38 upvotes
Arianna Mendoza
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Emilia T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
nora_rider
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Pittsburgh it's challenging.
32 upvotes
Jonathan Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely underrated and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife 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.
29 upvotes
Aria Collins
I work in tech here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is decent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
William Kelly
I work in engineering here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is tough. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Chloe Hill
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Skylar Cox
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
matthew_local
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
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