I'm originally from Denver and It's a a small town city with about 17,242 people. Homes are going for about $301,400 on average. The median home value here is around $301,400, which seems about average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Should I be concerned? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Alice J.
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 New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Evan Robinson
Moved here from Seattle about 13 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to traffic but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Ethan F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 9 years. Moved from Chicago for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Ruby
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Jordan Rodriguez
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to traffic but No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Connor Carter
Saving this thread
32 upvotes
Quinn M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 9 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. The Heights 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Jordan Y.
facts
27 upvotes
Alice Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Cooper Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Riverside schools are better than expected. 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 high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Levi Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 36, moved here 15 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Riverside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Houston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
7 upvotes
David Morgan
This.
4 upvotes
Brenda M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to LA it's underrated.
3 upvotes
Naomi Edwards
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
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