I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 7.0%, which is concerning. You can expect to pay around $1,413 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 34,291 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I overthinking this? The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
27 upvotes
9 Replies
Sophia R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 5 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Thomas Young
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
desert_cooper35
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cost of living is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Harper Flores
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
vegasrunner2023
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
lake_naomi23
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 LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 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:**
education is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
kinsley_chef
This.
14 upvotes
Brielle Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 46, moved here 6 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
10 upvotes
Margaret R.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
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