First post here. I'm a remote worker and It's a a smaller city city with about 53,043 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Methuen Town sits at 187.3 per 100K. With a population of 53,043, Methuen Town is a smaller city. Poverty rate is 5.8%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,610/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. 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. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
2 upvotes
4 Replies
Lori C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in retail. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Sarah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 4 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Eastside schools are surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Levi Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Valentina Watson
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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