Crime rate is something to consider -Melbourne sits at 692.0 per 100K. The median home value here is around $272,900, which seems about average. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up.
19 upvotes
2 Replies
Gabriel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 33, moved here 12 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Pine Hills and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Nashville, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
30 upvotes
Allison Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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