Not sure if this has been asked before, but We have two kids and Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Crime rate is something to consider -Milford Mill sits at 1,338.5 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Should I be concerned? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
9 upvotes
20 Replies
Elijah Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 42, moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
35 upvotes
Isabelle M.
I work in real estate here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Hunter
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
32 upvotes
Scarlett Brooks
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Chloe Hill
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Cedar Grove area are improving. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Samuel Brown
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Piper H.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Caroline Moore
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in North area are challenging. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Sarah Parker
seconding this
15 upvotes
Jace Stewart
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Oliver Ruiz
lol so true
14 upvotes
Piper Jackson
bump
14 upvotes
Mia Cruz
+1
11 upvotes
tampa_christian
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Leonardo M.
Came here for work and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The safety is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Melanie Hill
great question, following
4 upvotes
Landon Cox
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
Robert Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
1 upvotes
Cora Kim
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
1 upvotes
Sarah Hughes
Bought a house here in 2015 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.