Alright, I'm originally from Phoenix and It's a a small town city with about 2,481 people. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $54,722 in Mabton. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Mateo Sanchez
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The weather is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Henry Ross
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Baltimore about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Bennett J.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The housing market is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Peyton Gonzalez
following this thread
28 upvotes
Brooklyn Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Aurora
following this thread
23 upvotes
Greyson Williams
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Houston it's better than expected.
13 upvotes
Charlotte Reed
same here
11 upvotes
Brooklyn Garcia
same here
10 upvotes
Audrey Morris
Moved here last year, no regrets.
7 upvotes
Luca Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 28, moved here 5 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
5 upvotes
Thomas C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. excellent 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.