Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and The median home value here is around $796,100, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $126,854 in Melrose. Crime rate is something to consider -Melrose sits at 113.8 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. What would you do? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
22 upvotes
9 Replies
Ralph L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same 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 wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. East schools are solid. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Can feel isolated. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Leo S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Dallas it's improving.
39 upvotes
Logan Phillips
+1
31 upvotes
Julia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
miami_lillian
following this thread
18 upvotes
Elijah H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
sofia_chef
following this thread
10 upvotes
Clara
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 32, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
9 upvotes
waylon_guy
I work in marketing here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
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