Hey everyone, I'm a 52-year-old sales rep and It's a a small town city with about 13,577 people. Household incomes average around $81,808 in Echelon. Median household income is $81,808, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Benjamin Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Samantha B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Cameron Clark
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great sushi places. it exceeded my expectations.
35 upvotes
Abigail H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Michael C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Minneapolis it's average.
31 upvotes
jackson_local
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 6 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
engineering is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Levi Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 31, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
25 upvotes
Kayden C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
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