We have two kids and With a population of 3,737, Mount Pleasant is a small town. Average temperature is around 34--F, so bundle up in winter. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What are your go-to spots? Any help is appreciated.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Ezekiel Morgan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from New York about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Eliana G.
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
33 upvotes
Elijah Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 24, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
31 upvotes
Claire Brown
honestly same experience here
26 upvotes
Caleb L.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
21 upvotes
Cameron H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 53, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
18 upvotes
Carson White
big facts right here
18 upvotes
Valentina Young
following this thread
9 upvotes
Luca Parker
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Old Town area are decent. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Jose
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Chicago it's surprisingly good.
7 upvotes
Nathan Alvarez
seconding this
5 upvotes
Eleanor Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
1 upvotes
Ethan B.
Moved here from Tampa about 8 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to public transit but Good luck with whatever you decide..
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