I relocated for work and Crime rate is something to consider -Abilene sits at 160.4 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Is this normal for Abilene? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
3 upvotes
11 Replies
fresno_zoey
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Delilah Young
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
20 upvotes
Adam Morales
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is improving in most areas.
17 upvotes
Michael Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 12 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 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:**
engineering is strong here. finance 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Aiden Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 12 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Frank M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
6 upvotes
Audrey Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Miami about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Bennett Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Evan Lopez
100%
2 upvotes
Autumn
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Downtown area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Isla Rogers
I've lived in Sunset for about 9 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 Boston, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The community vibe scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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