The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,539 for rent here. Rent is about $1,539/month for a decent place. Median household income is $77,979, which feels about average for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What are your go-to spots? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes
17 Replies
chicago_sadie
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Julia Bennett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Amelia Chavez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
John M.
I've lived in Fairview for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Cora C.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
30 upvotes
Anna Hall
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
Camila Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Barbara R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 7 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Elijah Baker
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Arianna Turner
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
20 upvotes
chicago_melanie
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Jaxon T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
8 upvotes
Aria Robinson
I've lived in Westside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Madelyn Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from New York about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Jeremiah Myers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive 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 excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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