So, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $626,000 on average. It's a a mid-size city city with about 107K people. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cheers. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
43 upvotes
7 Replies
Hannah P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 37, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
40 upvotes
Olivia G.
Moved here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to job market but No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Brielle Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in North and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
35 upvotes
Jackson B.
I'm a sales manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Aaron
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 11 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails 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 surprisingly 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 public transit options. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Henry Myers
Came here for weather and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The safety is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Hannah Torres
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
All Countries
