Hey folks, I work in construction and With a population of 55,696, Apple Valley is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
4 upvotes
3 Replies
cooper_mama
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Pine Hills area are underrated. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Peyton K.
I'm a lawyer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Waylon
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
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. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.