[tracker1]

I think being able to have flexible data storage with indexing is where they are better than most other options. There's something to be said for some of what they do offer. I was able to replace the search system for a site that used SQL to MongoDB, which often includes geolocation, it works fairly well, I had considered using a ElasticSearch, or something similar, Mongo was a better fit.

Today, I would be inclined to use PostgreSQL with JSON support, and some triggers to update an aggregate search table, or look more seriously towards RethinkDB.

With any NoSQL system you give up something.. you just need to be aware of what you are giving up, why and for what gains.