Curious what people think. Household incomes average around $94,960 in Cliffside Park. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Zoe Peterson
nah I disagree
37 upvotes
Gabriella Morris
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Phoenix it's excellent.
34 upvotes
Nolan Jackson
I'm a teacher and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Emma
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Olivia
glad someone said it
25 upvotes
Brenda M.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to nightlife but Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Genesis Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 46, moved here 3 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Pine Hills and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
17 upvotes
Jayden Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 13 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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 pretty good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Camila K.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.