Been meaning to ask this. I'm single, late 20s, and Crime rate is something to consider -Mentor sits at 133.2 per 100K. Homes are going for about $229,500 on average. Poverty rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What do you all think? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
22 upvotes
22 Replies
Evan T.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Daniel
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in West area are challenging. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Scarlett
I work in construction here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Bella R.
lol so true
35 upvotes
Carter Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Tampa about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Aubrey L.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Cameron Stewart
Totally agree!
30 upvotes
Adam Watson
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great farm-to-table places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
25 upvotes
Chloe Jackson
same here
25 upvotes
Lydia A.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Katherine
Came here for school and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cultural scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
kc_nicholas
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much affordable but now it's underrated.
19 upvotes
Declan Campbell
accurate
18 upvotes
Landon Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Ruth C.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Riverside area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Kennedy Wright
I've lived in Fairview for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Mateo Garcia
honestly same experience here
11 upvotes
philly_john
Moved here from Seattle about 13 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to cost of living but Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Billy J.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great sushi places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
8 upvotes
denvernative2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Silas G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited shopping options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Adrian H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is tough in most areas.
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