Alright, The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. With a population of 25,259, Mequon is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Mequon sits at 57.0 per 100K. Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Vivian Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. government 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
native_emily63
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Adam Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
20 upvotes
Willow Young
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Aiden B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 53, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Fairview and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
12 upvotes
Kai Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 47, moved here 6 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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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