OK so I'm retired and It's a a small town city with about 17,837 people. Rent is about $1,609/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Anacortes sits at 114.4 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Worth the trade-offs? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Rebecca B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Madeline R.
literally same
39 upvotes
Mateo C.
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Isabella Walker
great question, following
35 upvotes
Aubrey R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 46, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Chicago, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
34 upvotes
Roy N.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much reasonable but now it's excellent.
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