Thinking about relocating to Middletown from Los Angeles
With a population of 30,227, Middletown is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $77,174, which feels about average for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
27 upvotes
13 Replies
Jace Scott
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Adrian Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 40, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
34 upvotes
Dylan Collins
Bought a house here in 2022 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
29 upvotes
Lily Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 1 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Lucy A.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The healthcare is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Aubrey
This.
20 upvotes
Andrew
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Eastside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Bennett K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
John Y.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
violet_runner
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great sushi places. it exceeded my expectations.
11 upvotes
Madelyn
spot on
10 upvotes
benjamin_soul
I've lived in Highland for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Peyton Carter
I've lived in North for about 11 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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