OK so I'm a teacher here and With a population of 1,634, Middletown is a small town. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
13 Replies
Matthew F.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
local_samuel94
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Charlotte about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Zoey
I've lived in Midtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Eleanor Kim
Used to live on the West side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
32 upvotes
Emma M.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
Alice R.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 14 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 Tampa, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Gianna Carter
honestly same experience here
19 upvotes
Peyton Williams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Charlotte Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 50, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
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. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
18 upvotes
chill_abigail28
hard disagree but ok
12 upvotes
Jackson
seconding this
8 upvotes
Elijah J.
honestly same experience here
7 upvotes
Elijah Howard
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
All Countries
