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wild_aaron73
best-worst
What Manchester does better than anywhere else
I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Liam
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Sunset 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Sunset 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Delilah Flores
Totally agree!
37 upvotes
Gianna James
interesting, hadn't considered that
35 upvotes
oakland_aubrey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Jose Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 25, moved here 5 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
Background: I'm a contractor, 25, moved here 5 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
34 upvotes
Jose Ortiz
I've lived in Uptown for about 4 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 Boston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Allison Lewis
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Eva Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Gabriella Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Joseph Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 10 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 10 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Easton
Came here for school and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor recreation is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
John Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes