OK so I've been here for 1 years and Homes are going for about $126,600 on average. The median home value here is around $126,600, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $802/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Does this match your experience? Looking forward to hearing from you all. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Sadie Carter
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 13 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 dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The public transit scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Elena Rodriguez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Sarah Gonzalez
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
mesanative2022
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The food scene is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Ruby Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 25, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
4 upvotes
Christian R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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. Lakewood schools are better than expected. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.