Alright, Household incomes average around $85,551 in Midland. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Connor R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Sunset and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
36 upvotes
Adam F.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Cora C.
preach
13 upvotes
sd_naomi
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
Isaiah N.
I've lived in Fairview for about 12 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 Houston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Caleb C.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is tough
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..