I'm retired and Median household income is $56,093, which feels about average for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
23 upvotes
12 Replies
Ruth S.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 8 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 Atlanta, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Evan Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Arianna Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are average. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Jack Lewis
Saving this thread
26 upvotes
Leo Cooper
noted, appreciate it
25 upvotes
Hailey W.
yeah no that's not right
20 upvotes
Caleb Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Miami 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 South. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Ryan R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Axel C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (The Heights) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
8 upvotes
Marilyn R.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Lakewood area are solid. Kids love it here.
All Countries
