Hello, It's a a smaller city city with about 54,159 people. Homes are going for about $190,600 on average. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is about average. The median home value here is around $190,600, which is actually reasonable. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
1 upvotes
11 Replies
Easton
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Emily Flores
spot on
26 upvotes
Cooper Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 27, moved here 11 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Old Town and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. tough 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
23 upvotes
Christopher C.
preach
20 upvotes
Matthew
same here
18 upvotes
Nicholas White
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor recreation is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Karen P.
big facts right here
12 upvotes
Charlotte Hughes
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Oliver R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Minneapolis about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
David Gonzalez
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 Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Connor M.
I'm a social worker and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
All Countries
