Curious what people think. Crime rate is something to consider -Middletown sits at 82.7 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,392 for rent here. Median household income is $73,979, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this? TIA! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Maverick H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 38, moved here 6 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.
39 upvotes
Ruby
wish I knew this sooner
38 upvotes
atl_kai
I work in construction here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is tough. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Declan Alvarez
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
30 upvotes
Sadie W.
couldn't agree more
23 upvotes
Lily Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Emma J.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Eva Gray
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Daniel Anderson
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Samuel H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
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