OK so I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $79,520 in Middleborough Center. Crime rate is something to consider -Middleborough Center sits at 369.6 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
proud_joseph53
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. the quality of life is solid.
34 upvotes
jeremiah_native
noted, appreciate it
32 upvotes
dc_ava
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much established but now it's pretty good.
29 upvotes
Luke Garcia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Salt Lake City it's improving.
29 upvotes
Cameron Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Logan Flores
honestly same experience here
23 upvotes
Jose Price
I work in real estate here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Benjamin Smith
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in government. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Henry Foster
I've lived in Riverside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Kaylee Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Jacqueline R.
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 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
10 upvotes
Eli C.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Korean places. it's been a really good experience overall.
9 upvotes
Jack J.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much reasonable but now it's better than expected.
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