Hey folks, Crime rate is something to consider -Festus sits at 513.3 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $935 for rent here. Poverty rate is 9.9%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance! The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
3 upvotes
4 Replies
Gabriel Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. decent 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
30 upvotes
Chloe Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Adeline Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 1 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. real estate 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe 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.
10 upvotes
Kennedy Ramos
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
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