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Lydia Stewart best-worst

Best kept secrets of Melrose, MA

Anyone else feel this way? What do you all think? The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
19 upvotes

13 Replies

Adrian
nah I disagree
39 upvotes
Kinsley M.
literally same
39 upvotes
Alexander Clark
hmm interesting perspective
34 upvotes
Everly S.
great question, following
32 upvotes
Reagan Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Springfield for 5 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Aaron G.
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Gabriella Diaz
literally same
19 upvotes
Mateo Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Meadowbrook for 15 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Parker Thompson
seconding this
11 upvotes
Aubrey
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
wild_emma44
this is the way
7 upvotes
Riley C.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
1 upvotes
Grayson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
0 upvotes
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