Curious what people think. I'm originally from San Diego and Crime rate is something to consider -Caldwell sits at 350.4 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $322,100 on average. Rent is about $1,135/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
26 upvotes
5 Replies
Chloe White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 41, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
39 upvotes
cora_dude
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Jace Long
spot on
14 upvotes
oakland_aubrey
thanks for sharing
5 upvotes
Declan Gray
I'm a nurse and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
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