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Allison Wood living

Is Forest a good place to live?

Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 46-year-old sales rep and Crime rate is something to consider -Forest sits at 74.9 per 100K. Homes are going for about $129,100 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I overthinking this?
3 upvotes

6 Replies

Axel Moore
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Carol L.
preach
29 upvotes
Jaxon Evans
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Theodore R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Meadowbrook for 13 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 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. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking 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 improving. 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. Property taxes are high. And housing market can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Ezra Allen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's improving for what you get.

Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.

People: Generally better than expected. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.

Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Parker A.
I've lived in Eastside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
- The traffic scene is hit or miss

The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer

Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
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