We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Melbourne sits at 692.0 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
19 Replies
Christian C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in retail. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Connor Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Atlanta about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Cora K.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
31 upvotes
nycnative2021
nah I disagree
27 upvotes
Eli Stewart
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Leonardo Kim
Came here for retirement and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The housing market is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Elijah Rodriguez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Bennett Flores
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. safety 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.
21 upvotes
Kayden
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely decent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Sunset) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
20 upvotes
Daniel Davis
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Minneapolis it's improving.
18 upvotes
urban_matthew37
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 6 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Madelyn Cruz
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
14 upvotes
atlrider2020
been saying this for years
10 upvotes
Wyatt
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is underrated in most areas.
9 upvotes
Melanie Ward
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Dylan Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Carter Gray
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Victoria Garcia
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
nashvillegirl2023
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
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