Hey folks, We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $894 for rent here. Poverty rate is 25.2%, which is higher than I expected. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cheers. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
27 upvotes
11 Replies
Weston Brooks
I've lived in South for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Nevaeh W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Charlotte about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Silas W.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much competitive but now it's pretty good.
31 upvotes
omaha_lucy
I'm a HR manager and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Luke Hernandez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is tough in most areas.
19 upvotes
Sophia Gutierrez
hmm interesting perspective
17 upvotes
Sophie Watson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Jose Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Downtown and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Seattle, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
10 upvotes
Brielle Brooks
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
phillyheart2022
been saying this for years
2 upvotes
Matthew
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 Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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