Random thought, Household incomes average around $91,169 in Midland. It's a a mid-size city city with about 134K people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I overthinking this? Any help is appreciated.
38 upvotes
6 Replies
Samuel Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Allison C.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
40 upvotes
Mason Phillips
yep
39 upvotes
emma_dude
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Colton Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 31, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in East and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
5 upvotes
stl_luna
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Portland about 2 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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