Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? Thanks! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
21 upvotes
10 Replies
Jack Parker
preach
39 upvotes
Allison Martin
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's decent.
38 upvotes
Adam Adams
Moved here last year, no regrets.
32 upvotes
Mateo Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Luke M.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The public transit is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Zoe Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from New York about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Patricia A.
I'm a lawyer and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Isabelle
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Aaliyah R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Dominic Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 5 years. Moved from LA for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 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:**
consulting is strong here. marketing 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Meadowbrook schools are challenging. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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