So, I'm originally from Raleigh and Rent is about $1,411/month for a decent place. With a population of 85,718, Melbourne is a smaller city. It's a a smaller city city with about 85,718 people. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
20 upvotes
6 Replies
Ezra H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Luca P.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Jameson Harris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
Ellie G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
raleighliving2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 52, moved here 1 years ago from Denver. I've lived in South and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
20 upvotes
Victoria Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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