First post here. Crime rate is something to consider -Mead Valley sits at 245.8 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Emmett Long
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
40 upvotes
Deborah W.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Samuel Smith
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Madeline Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
26 upvotes
Eugene T.
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Dominic Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Mateo Rivera
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The nightlife is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Aiden Taylor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
6 upvotes
Oliver Ortiz
glad someone said it
5 upvotes
Audrey N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 49, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. hit or miss 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
5 upvotes
Noah James
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much competitive but now it's improving.
4 upvotes
Leonardo W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 58, moved here 2 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.