Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $116,095, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,850 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I overthinking this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Adeline Jones
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Nicholas Mendoza
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
39 upvotes
Michael K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes 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 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Jordan Gray
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is challenging in most areas.
37 upvotes
Kayden
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Jordan
accurate
28 upvotes
Kaylee B.
I've lived in Westside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Isaiah Thomas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Mia M.
great question, following
15 upvotes
Julia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 6 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Old Town 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Chloe Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 1 years. Moved from Nashville for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 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:**
real estate is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Pine Hills schools are pretty good. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Jordan Smith
honestly same experience here
10 upvotes
lake_ella18
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
3 upvotes
Ruby B.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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