Hi all, Median household income is $34,657, which feels on the lower side for the area. With a population of 34,466, Meridian is a smaller city. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up.
9 upvotes
5 Replies
Nora Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Willow Watson
I work in consulting here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is average. Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Anna Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 58, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
12 upvotes
Emma White
honestly same experience here
3 upvotes
Eliana Chavez
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The weather is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..