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Weston Hill
best-worst
Things Apache Junction needs to improve
Not sure if this has been asked before, but Thanks! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
3 upvotes
26 Replies
Isabelle Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Jordan Phillips
I work in marketing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Kimberly M.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
35 upvotes
Elijah Ward
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
34 upvotes
George G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Nora J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
32 upvotes
Aurora Morales
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Madelyn Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
nycdude2022
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 San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks 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 tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks 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 tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Bryan M.
facts
27 upvotes
Ian Adams
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Westside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Nathan M.
literally same
26 upvotes
Matthew Myers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Colton R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
17 upvotes
Evan H.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Greyson Alvarez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Cooper Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
15 upvotes
Charlotte
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Brielle Long
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Alice Howard
hard disagree but ok
8 upvotes
Emily Bailey
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Aaliyah Reed
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Alice Rogers
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The dating scene is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Jose Wood
nah I disagree
4 upvotes
Peyton Edwards
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Tampa it's decent.
2 upvotes
Ronald S.
couldn't agree more
1 upvotes