Been living here since 2013. Median household income is $83,759, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,623/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Has anyone dealt with this? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Wesley Allen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
40 upvotes
Oliver A.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 11 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 Dallas, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Michael R.
I've lived in North for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The housing market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Emilia Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 3 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction 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 average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are excellent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Jackson Kelly
same here
17 upvotes
Emily Scott
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Pine Hills area are improving. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Nevaeh Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 25, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Riverside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
15 upvotes
matthew_runner
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much stable but now it's solid.
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