Hey, I'm a remote worker and Median household income is $118,660, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $437,800, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $1,600 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
5 upvotes
10 Replies
coastal_connor75
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Sunset area are excellent. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Catherine P.
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Wesley Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are solid. 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Katherine
spot on
22 upvotes
Isaac Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Minneapolis about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Jose C.
Totally agree!
15 upvotes
Mason Miller
Moved here from Denver about 10 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to nightlife but Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Allison Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Bennett Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests 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 tough. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Ezra Brown
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.