Hey, I'm single, late 30s, and Rent is about $2,110/month for a decent place. Median household income is $105,379, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Shirley sits at 22.0 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Is this normal for Shirley? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
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Adam Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 32, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
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