Alright, I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $115,610, which feels pretty solid for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I overthinking this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
26 upvotes
8 Replies
Olivia Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 36, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in South and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
33 upvotes
Eleanor Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Isaiah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 12 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
education is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes 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 better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Connor Richardson
100%
19 upvotes
Camila C.
not my experience at all
17 upvotes
Eli M.
wish I knew this sooner
10 upvotes
Ryan Cox
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The safety is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
