Curious what people think. I'm a college student here and Rent is about $755/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
28 upvotes
12 Replies
Madeline Miller
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Adam M.
Bought a house here in 2020 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
34 upvotes
Piper
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The dating scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Jaxon
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Ruby Campbell
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
23 upvotes
Jack D.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
22 upvotes
Amelia Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. South 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Easton Gray
literally same
12 upvotes
Evelyn Jackson
Totally agree!
9 upvotes
Scarlett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Westside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
6 upvotes
chill_daniel43
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
3 upvotes
Lillian L.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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