So, Homes are going for about $287,100 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
29 upvotes
8 Replies
Gianna Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Arianna R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 9 years. Moved from Miami for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Easton M.
Came here for school and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The traffic is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Sophia Long
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
26 upvotes
Leo Morales
I've lived in Highland for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The nightlife scene is decent
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Cooper Watson
great question, following
14 upvotes
Sarah S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Emily Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
