Pros and cons of Madisonville after 12 years

Danielle H. Mar 5, 2025

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.

12 upvotes