Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 10.3%, which is around average. Household incomes average around $76,159 in Southaven. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
29 upvotes
8 Replies
Katherine Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 25, moved here 14 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Seattle, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
36 upvotes
Rylee Lee
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Henry J.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much growing but now it's hit or miss.
27 upvotes
Jason C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Jaxon Gomez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Miles R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Leonardo Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
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. Limited public transit options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. underrated 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
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