Crime rate is something to consider — Meridian sits at 159.2 per 100K. It's a a mid-size city city with about 125K people. You can expect to pay around $1,714 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up.
20 upvotes
4 Replies
Joseph W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 34, moved here 9 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Old Town and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing 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. Limited high-paying job options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
33 upvotes
Naomi Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Alexander Evans
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
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