So, I'm originally from Baltimore and Household incomes average around $112,635 in Stoneham. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Anyone in a similar situation? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Zoe Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 33, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
38 upvotes
Ethan Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Tampa about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Daniel Ortiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Sarah M.
I've lived in Highland for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The walkability scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Isla Parker
honestly same experience here
24 upvotes
Julia Reyes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
desert_violet27
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Colton Jones
nah I disagree
20 upvotes
Mia M.
hard disagree but ok
17 upvotes
Katherine Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Gabriel C.
exactly what I was thinking
13 upvotes
Isaac Anderson
preach
13 upvotes
Arianna Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
wild_violet50
Came here for work and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The traffic is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Aubrey
I work in government here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is average. Hope this helps!.
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