Random thought, I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $322,600, which seems about average. With a population of 25,961, Florence is a smaller city. Homes are going for about $322,600 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. TIA! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
23 upvotes
4 Replies
Stella Sanchez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is challenging in most areas.
37 upvotes
cora_native
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Patricia Y.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Sarah G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 12 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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