Hey, I've been here for 11 years and The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Naugatuck sits at 96.1 per 100K. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $241,600, which is actually reasonable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Should I be concerned? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Quinn K.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Maverick Ramos
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Colton Foster
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Jaxon P.
not my experience at all
29 upvotes
Kinsley W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Elijah Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 28, moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Westside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
23 upvotes
Carson W.
hmm interesting perspective
20 upvotes
Hannah G.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
17 upvotes
Audrey Bennett
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Sunset area are tough. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Alexa Gonzalez
I've lived in Oak Park for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- The outdoor recreation scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Naomi Nguyen
it depends on the neighborhood
4 upvotes
John Clark
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Oak Park area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
3 upvotes
Aurora Mendoza
exactly what I was thinking
2 upvotes
Everly M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Houston. I've lived in East and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
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