I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. With a population of 11,868, Laurel is a small town. Poverty rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Emma R.
100%
38 upvotes
Samuel J.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
37 upvotes
David Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
34 upvotes
Wyatt G.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The safety is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Rachel M.
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 Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 hit or miss. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Rising rent and home prices. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
seattle_alice
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Highland schools are pretty 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Abigail J.
seconding this
26 upvotes
Daniel G.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
22 upvotes
William Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Avery Jimenez
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
Robert
following this thread
12 upvotes
James W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 44, moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Raleigh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
8 upvotes
Gianna Johnson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
6 upvotes
Alexis D.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Madelyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 57, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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