Not sure if this has been asked before, but It's a a small town city with about 13,939 people. With a population of 13,939, McCalla is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Is this normal for McCalla? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Brian F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Bradley B.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The healthcare is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Miles
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 33, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
35 upvotes
atl_austin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Emma Morris
Moved here from Dallas about 14 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to job market but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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