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Logan Hernandez
living
Meadow Woods is underrated, change my mind
Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $77,124, which feels about average for the area.
2 upvotes
24 Replies
Ariana L.
Used to live on the South side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
40 upvotes
Peyton Ramos
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to San Diego it's pretty good.
40 upvotes
Madelyn Jimenez
I work in retail here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is tough. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Zoe Carter
I'm a contractor and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Jacob Taylor
wish I knew this sooner
27 upvotes
Hazel Lopez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Sophia B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Miami about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Miami about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Paisley P.
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
25 upvotes
katherine_native
this is the way
24 upvotes
Reagan C.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
24 upvotes
Allison Foster
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
23 upvotes
Luna Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Springfield for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Evan B.
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Nicholas Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 6 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
I've been here 6 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Sophia Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 41, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
Background: I'm a contractor, 41, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
19 upvotes
Ellie Roberts
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Matthew White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 58, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 58, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
14 upvotes
Santiago Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Eastside 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 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
lasoul2022
been saying this for years
9 upvotes
Frank S.
as a local I can confirm
5 upvotes
Thomas R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
Caleb
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
3 upvotes
Aiden
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 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. real estate 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Eastside for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 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. real estate 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Cameron A.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
0 upvotes