Hey everyone, Homes are going for about $89,800 on average. You can expect to pay around $719 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to.
30 upvotes
11 Replies
Aria Sanders
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Willow Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Henry Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Ethan Wright
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Jonathan T.
this is the way
22 upvotes
Genesis B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Brooklyn Robinson
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Theodore Rogers
I work in finance here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is better than expected. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Arianna Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 29, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
15 upvotes
Charlotte
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Baltimore it's excellent.
11 upvotes
Owen Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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