Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and Poverty rate is 10.0%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $236,000, which is actually reasonable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Has anyone dealt with this? Appreciate any input. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
17 upvotes
15 Replies
Noah Gutierrez
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Kayden Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 26, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 San Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
37 upvotes
mountain_liam32
honestly same experience here
36 upvotes
Everett Williams
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much manageable but now it's hit or miss.
31 upvotes
Mary A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Evan
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Ruby Roberts
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Arianna Carter
thanks for sharing
17 upvotes
Luna Jones
same here
12 upvotes
Sophia T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are excellent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
bostonwalker2022
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
7 upvotes
Evan S.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
5 upvotes
Silas Stewart
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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