I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $1,168/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $380,500, which seems about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Millbrook sits at 890.2 per 100K. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Would love some local perspective. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
alexa_vibes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Alexander Long
Bought a house here in 2024 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
39 upvotes
mesanative2022
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview 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..
39 upvotes
Sadie Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 36, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
Anna R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Theodore Miller
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Maya H.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is average and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Lydia C.
it depends on the neighborhood
21 upvotes
Melanie Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Nora Phillips
been saying this for years
10 upvotes
santiago_walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 35, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Lakewood and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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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