Hey, It's a a smaller city city with about 55,278 people. You can expect to pay around $1,629 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation?
3 upvotes
30 Replies
Ryan Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 2 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
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. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Seattle, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Willow Moore
I've lived in Highland for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
leah_guy
preach
31 upvotes
Isaac Ross
literally same
29 upvotes
Isla Foster
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Owen
Saving this thread
27 upvotes
Everly Miller
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is excellent in most areas.
24 upvotes
Lily Richardson
I'm a pharmacist and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is average and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Vivian L.
seconding this
21 upvotes
Xavier
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Lily N.
This.
18 upvotes
Maya Thomas
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
18 upvotes
Catherine M.
accurate
17 upvotes
Chloe Jimenez
noted, appreciate it
16 upvotes
Bella Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are pretty 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Jack
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Westside area are improving. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Vincent S.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Arianna Diaz
I've lived in Westside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Isaac
Bought a house here in 2018 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
13 upvotes
Caleb Reyes
same here
11 upvotes
James Robinson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Boston it's decent.
11 upvotes
Jeremiah R.
exactly what I was thinking
9 upvotes
Thomas Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
8 upvotes
Isabella
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
8 upvotes
Douglas M.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Wyatt Rogers
I work in hospitality here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Lydia Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 2 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Emily Bailey
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The housing market is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Genesis Kelly
I've lived in Westside for about 2 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 Houston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Owen Campbell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 7 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 pretty 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
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