Random thought, You can expect to pay around $699 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Mount Airy sits at 451.1 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Connor L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Julia Hall
Moved here from San Diego about 2 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Emily Howard
as a local I can confirm
23 upvotes
Ruby Allen
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Greenfield area are excellent. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Grayson Robinson
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The school system is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Nora Morris
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The public transit is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Sarah Lewis
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much pricey but now it's average.
11 upvotes
Emmett Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
11 upvotes
Oliver Ruiz
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Brooklyn Torres
I've lived in West for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Naomi Martin
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
3 upvotes
Addison H.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great BBQ places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
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