I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $226,900, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $81,944, which feels pretty solid for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here?
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 53, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
38 upvotes
Genesis Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 44, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Meadowbrook and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
34 upvotes
Lucy Rodriguez
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Abigail M.
I'm a HR manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Austin Rivera
100%
24 upvotes
Valentina Lee
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Phoenix it's underrated.
21 upvotes
Miles C.
I've lived in The Heights for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Kai Miller
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Eleanor G.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Westside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Madeline Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 10 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. 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. Downtown 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 entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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