Longtime lurker here, Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $107,159 in Coram. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
15 upvotes
19 Replies
Adam Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 15 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Meadowbrook schools are decent. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
40 upvotes
David S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Genesis Diaz
I work in education here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
omahamind2020
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Oak Park area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Daniel Green
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Robert Evans
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Angel Watson
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Evan
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.
23 upvotes
nevaeh_vibes
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much established but now it's challenging.
22 upvotes
Valentina Bennett
I'm a social worker and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Everly
I work in engineering here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is better than expected. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Sadie Miller
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Nevaeh P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Elena G.
I've lived in Midtown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Dominic
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
Anna
exactly what I was thinking
5 upvotes
Aiden Gomez
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
4 upvotes
stlpapa2022
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Dallas for school. 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 significantly 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:**
government is strong here. construction 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Lakewood schools are decent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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