Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $104,238 in Cloverdale. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Jace Stewart
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Aubrey Morgan
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Eleanor Carter
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Uptown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
32 upvotes
Dominic Scott
hmm interesting perspective
23 upvotes
Elena Cox
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
willow_girl
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Elijah W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 32, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
19 upvotes
Victoria P.
This.
18 upvotes
Nolan Kim
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is improving in most areas.
12 upvotes
Aubrey Mitchell
accurate
11 upvotes
Scarlett Hernandez
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The safety is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Nevaeh Walker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Emily M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 4 years. Moved from Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Dominic K.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
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