Not sure if this has been asked before, but Average temperature is around 75--F, so it's warm year-round. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
25 Replies
Samuel Gray
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Joshua
spot on
39 upvotes
Aubrey Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Anna Edwards
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
35 upvotes
Isaac Morgan
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
35 upvotes
Brooklyn Sanders
+1
34 upvotes
Madeline Price
this is the way
33 upvotes
Leo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Reagan Martinez
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. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Jameson P.
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 Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks 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 challenging. 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. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Nora Cooper
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Gabriella Mitchell
hard disagree but ok
27 upvotes
Theodore Diaz
seconding this
24 upvotes
born_delilah2
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Aria Nguyen
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Nathan Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Riverside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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
Daniel Peterson
big facts right here
16 upvotes
Hannah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
John R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 53, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Meadowbrook and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. average 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
15 upvotes
Samuel Sanchez
Moved here from Seattle about 10 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to food scene but No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Mackenzie T.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
vegas_caroline
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Kayden Edwards
I work in construction here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is average. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Sofia White
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Italian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
1 upvotes
Victoria Parker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
All Countries
