So, I'm a college student here and Rent is about $903/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
10 upvotes
9 Replies
Adam King
Bought a house here in 2019 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
37 upvotes
Emma Long
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Arianna Evans
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
12 upvotes
Natalie
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
10 upvotes
Joseph Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
6 upvotes
Robert Rivera
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
5 upvotes
sdrider2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
David Sanders
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
1 upvotes
Albert E.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
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