Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 19 years and The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about average. The median home value here is around $254,600, which seems about average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Worth the trade-offs?
14 upvotes
10 Replies
Alexa James
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
37 upvotes
nolalocal2021
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Everett Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Midtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
28 upvotes
Matthew
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 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:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are underrated. 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. Nightlife is limited. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Nathan Castillo
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
20 upvotes
Nora C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Robert Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 2 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. retail 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches 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 underrated. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
James Thomas
literally same
12 upvotes
Michael Sanders
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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