Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and Rent is about $1,979/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Sterling sits at 194.2 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up.
20 upvotes
11 Replies
Ariana Allen
100%
39 upvotes
Wayne T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Owen A.
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Emmett H.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Jack Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 8 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 average. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Ezekiel S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely challenging and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Sunset) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
28 upvotes
Sarah Mendoza
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
25 upvotes
denver_kennedy
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Lucy Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 33, moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in The Heights and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
14 upvotes
Leo R.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much developing but now it's surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
Jace Walker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
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