Longtime lurker here, I'm a teacher here and With a population of 25,985, Mauldin is a smaller city. Median household income is $81,027, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,401 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Is this normal for Mauldin? Thanks for reading. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
21 upvotes
12 Replies
Kinsley Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K 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.
37 upvotes
Benjamin Watson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is improving in most areas.
31 upvotes
Judith L.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in The Heights area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Waylon B.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Dylan Gutierrez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Abigail W.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Barbara P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 8 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are challenging. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Summers can be brutally hot. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Ruby Davis
good to know, thanks
18 upvotes
Roman
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Austin it's surprisingly good.
18 upvotes
Anna Ramirez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Eli Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 27, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
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. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
3 upvotes
nola_lillian
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Thai places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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