Been meaning to ask this. Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
17 upvotes
7 Replies
Gloria P.
Moved here from Austin about 9 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to weather but Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
jonathan_mind
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Houston it's challenging.
31 upvotes
phoenix_elena
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 38, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Riverside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
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 very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
27 upvotes
Tyler M.
Moved here from Dallas about 13 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to community vibe but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Nora Nguyen
following this thread
8 upvotes
Dorothy F.
honestly same experience here
7 upvotes
Johnny R.
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 a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches 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 surprisingly 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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