Thinking about relocating to McKinleyville from Memphis
Hey everyone, Homes are going for about $414,200 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. Appreciate any input. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Gabriella Peterson
great question, following
40 upvotes
Scarlett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 50, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Fairview and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
37 upvotes
Naomi Castillo
I work in education here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is better than expected. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Christian Young
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The job market is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Violet W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
Isabelle Green
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
16 upvotes
Jordan R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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