Longtime lurker here, I'm a 28-year-old sales rep and Median household income is $163,544, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 50,553 people. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Jose Patel
big facts right here
40 upvotes
detroit_victoria
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Nora
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 41, moved here 13 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - 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 nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
37 upvotes
Brooks Brooks
I'm a physical therapist and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Alexander R.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Kai Brown
hmm interesting perspective
27 upvotes
Willow Gonzalez
Saving this thread
27 upvotes
Luke Reed
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Meadowbrook schools are challenging. 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Allison Patel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
mesamind2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Highland) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
13 upvotes
tampa_reagan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is tough in most areas.
12 upvotes
Dylan Gutierrez
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
5 upvotes
Leonardo Allen
glad someone said it
2 upvotes
Owen Edwards
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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