Hi all, We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Ava
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
39 upvotes
Mateo Rivera
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
Carter Brooks
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..
26 upvotes
native_kayden55
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great sushi places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
26 upvotes
William Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 15 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts 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 improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
James J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Charlotte about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Eva Cruz
Moved here last year, no regrets.
15 upvotes
Angel Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Colton Reed
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
Gabriella Flores
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
William Mitchell
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much growing but now it's underrated.
11 upvotes
Evelyn Mitchell
This.
6 upvotes
Jeffrey C.
I've lived in Highland for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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