Longtime lurker here, My family moved here when I was a kid. Crime rate is something to consider -Medford sits at 201.8 per 100K. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
2 upvotes
23 Replies
Genesis J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Adam
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Ellie Morales
glad someone said it
37 upvotes
tampagirl2023
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
31 upvotes
Billy W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Lily Turner
thanks for sharing
28 upvotes
milwaukee_delilah
this is the way
28 upvotes
Audrey
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Alexa M.
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
Jeremiah Patel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Ryan Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
peyton_mind
I've lived in Old Town for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Julian Miller
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
18 upvotes
Anna
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
17 upvotes
Clara Baker
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much wild but now it's hit or miss.
12 upvotes
Silas Lewis
+1
11 upvotes
Robert R.
honestly same experience here
11 upvotes
austin_david
glad someone said it
10 upvotes
Nevaeh Gray
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
omaha_allison
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Mexican places. it's been a really good experience overall.
5 upvotes
Noah P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches 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 decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Ezekiel Thomas
I've lived in Fairview for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
0 upvotes
Ella S.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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