Curious what people think. I'm single, late 30s, and With a population of 7,492, Meraux is a small town. Average temperature is around 70--F, so the weather is moderate. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Claire Morales
nah I disagree
36 upvotes
bostonlocal2024
Came here for retirement and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cultural scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Ethan Morgan
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
David Reyes
bump
29 upvotes
Andrew M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
29 upvotes
Elizabeth G.
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
22 upvotes
Scarlett
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
19 upvotes
Hudson
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
16 upvotes
Jameson Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
sf_nathan
lol so true
13 upvotes
mesalover2020
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
8 upvotes
Chloe R.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The walkability is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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