Hi all, I've been here for 13 years and Crime rate is something to consider — Newark sits at 619.0 per 100K. The median home value here is around $337,800, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 6.7%, which is concerning. You can expect to pay around $1,330 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to.
2 upvotes
9 Replies
Brooks Rogers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Everly Hernandez
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Carter L.
This.
37 upvotes
Weston
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cost of living is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Miles T.
big facts right here
31 upvotes
Mateo Morales
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Alexa H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Dominic Nelson
I'm a pharmacist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Axel Hill
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Tampa 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 Sunset. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
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