Not sure if this has been asked before, but Military spouse here. Rent is about $2,219/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts.
8 upvotes
9 Replies
Connor Jimenez
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Kaylee Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 51, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
25 upvotes
Madeline Morgan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Mason Gonzalez
not my experience at all
14 upvotes
Olivia Edwards
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Piper Gonzalez
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 San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 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:**
hospitality is strong here. government 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Meadowbrook schools are underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Eleanor Y.
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
6 upvotes
Everett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
2 upvotes
Willow Ruiz
I'm a chef and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
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