Hi all, We have two kids and Household incomes average around $35,331 in Prichard. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Thoughts?
6 upvotes
12 Replies
Eliana White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
happy_alexa70
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Leo Turner
facts
33 upvotes
Henry A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Cheryl A.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
29 upvotes
indy_adeline
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 54, moved here 9 years ago from Boston. I've lived in The Heights and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
26 upvotes
Jonathan Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Miles L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
happy_katherine94
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
jacob_runner
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much reasonable but now it's average.
15 upvotes
Declan Patel
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.