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Ruby C. best-worst

Things Topanga needs to improve

Curious what people think. My partner and I are It's a a small town city with about 8,781 peo
1 upvotes

7 Replies

Thomas M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Meadowbrook for 10 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Elijah Martinez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Uptown for 3 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are hit or miss. 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 shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Eliana R.
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
18 upvotes
Dylan R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Greyson Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.

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.
16 upvotes
Cameron Gray
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Delilah Flores
spot on
10 upvotes
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