Hey, I'm a college student here and Household incomes average around $95,298 in Malden. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
5 upvotes
17 Replies
Ethan Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Dominic K.
literally same
35 upvotes
Zoey Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 58, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good 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 Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
34 upvotes
stlmind2021
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Elizabeth Torres
accurate
31 upvotes
Evan Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Lily Jackson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Mackenzie
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Baltimore it's decent.
20 upvotes
Alexa Murphy
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Abigail B.
big facts right here
16 upvotes
Brooklyn Gomez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Leonardo W.
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
12 upvotes
Levi Baker
hard disagree but ok
10 upvotes
Sebastian Baker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Sarah R.
Came here for family and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The walkability is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Eliana Lopez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Mia Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 14 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are underrated. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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