First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $460,600 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Any advice would be great. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Jace Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 36, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
37 upvotes
Michael P.
haha yep pretty much
36 upvotes
Aiden G.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Ezekiel Turner
spot on
32 upvotes
Mia C.
I'm a teacher and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Genesis Ortiz
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Easton Rodriguez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
11 upvotes
nora_rider
I've lived in Old Town for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by school system. 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 walkability scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.