Hey folks, Rent is about $1,014/month for a decent place. Median household income is $48,489, which feels on the lower side for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I overthinking this? Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Katherine Richardson
I'm a sales manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Dylan Patel
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Denver it's underrated.
36 upvotes
Leah Clark
interesting, hadn't considered that
34 upvotes
Owen S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Old Town 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Joshua K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 46, moved here 9 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
27 upvotes
Rylee Ruiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. 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 rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Emma F.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is improving in most areas.
7 upvotes
Autumn
nah I disagree
6 upvotes
Madison R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Baltimore it's underrated.
5 upvotes
Liam Morales
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 2 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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