OK so We have two kids and The median home value here is around $291,300, which seems about average. With a population of 40,981, Maplewood is a smaller city. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Let me know your thoughts. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development.
5 upvotes
5 Replies
Ezra
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 26, moved here 6 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Cameron B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Josiah Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Brielle Alvarez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Leo Robinson
I've lived in Greenfield for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The pet-friendliness scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
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