Hey, Born and raised here. Household incomes average around $95,278 in Peabody. Crime rate is something to consider -Peabody sits at 231.6 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What are your go-to spots? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
Julia Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 42, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Nashville, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
Alexa
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Landon Ramirez
preach
15 upvotes
cool_emily18
I've lived in Oak Park for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- The job market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..