Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2017. Rent is about $1,555/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Worth the trade-offs? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
58 upvotes
3 Replies
Savannah Wright
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
39 upvotes
Madeline Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 32, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
37 upvotes
desert_brooklyn29
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 11 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.