Hello, Median household income is $61,979, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $243,600 on average. With a population of 23,710, Brookings is a small town. Rent is about $862/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Is this normal for Brookings? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
12 Replies
Waylon Wilson
hard disagree but ok
39 upvotes
Madelyn Brown
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Midtown area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Ruby Mitchell
I've lived in Old Town for about 11 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 Austin, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The housing market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Quinn H.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The community vibe is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Adam T.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in The Heights area are solid. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Alexander Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
23 upvotes
Theodore Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Leo Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Amelia M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
Luca Wood
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
fresnorider2021
I'm a software engineer and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
proud_parker36
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 13 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are better than expected. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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