Hey folks, It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Does this match your experience?
37 upvotes
10 Replies
Jacob Gutierrez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
34 upvotes
Nathan Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
30 upvotes
Parker Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Samuel Lewis
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Karen R.
I've lived in North for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Hudson Reyes
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Chloe Robinson
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
14 upvotes
Theodore F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 6 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 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:**
real estate is strong here. retail 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks 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 challenging. 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Aaron Patel
yeah no that's not right
2 upvotes
Ezra Mitchell
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.