Hi all, I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
9 upvotes
9 Replies
Evan R.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
38 upvotes
Claire Flores
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The outdoor recreation scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Sarah M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. South schools are tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Axel Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 46, moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Westside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Leonardo Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 55, moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
8 upvotes
Levi Hughes
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The dating scene is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Brooks Rogers
great question, following
7 upvotes
Connor James
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
Paisley Cooper
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely solid and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
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