Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $1,474/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
2 Replies
Madison P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Atlanta, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
36 upvotes
Adam Richardson
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..