Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Hyde Park sits at 890.2 per 100K. Homes are going for about $287,400 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here? Any help is appreciated.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Wesley R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Houston it's tough.
40 upvotes
Elena R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Delilah Flores
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I love the pace of life here.
32 upvotes
Carter N.
bump
30 upvotes
Levi Martin
I've lived in West for about 9 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 dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Dominic
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
phoenixsoul2025
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
samuel_living
I'm a chef and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Helen M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. decent 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
19 upvotes
Eli White
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Carson Walker
interesting, hadn't considered that
15 upvotes
Kimberly W.
following this thread
10 upvotes
Brooks
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The pet-friendliness is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
1 upvotes
Weston Ramirez
couldn't agree more
1 upvotes
Noah Miller
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 Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.