Curious what people think. We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,730/month for a decent place. It's a a mid-size city city with about 210K people. With a population of 210K, Yonkers is a mid-size city. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots? The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
22 upvotes
29 Replies
Madelyn Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Tampa about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Anna Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 5 years. Moved from Portland for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - 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 underrated. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Santiago Jimenez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Houston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Sebastian Mitchell
I work in consulting here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is average. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Serenity Hughes
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Emma R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Tampa it's underrated.
36 upvotes
Harper Hernandez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The pet-friendliness is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Isla Perez
+1
30 upvotes
Oliver Mitchell
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Alice Rogers
following this thread
24 upvotes
Madelyn
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 15 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Isabelle White
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
21 upvotes
Kennedy F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 37, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
20 upvotes
Jose Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
local_lucas59
same here
16 upvotes
raised_christian21
bump
15 upvotes
Hazel Peterson
I've lived in Uptown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Alexa
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 15 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
marketing is strong here. consulting 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 solid - we have hiking trails 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 pretty good. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Nicholas Clark
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
Isabella
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 38, moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Greenfield and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good airport with direct flights
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
7 upvotes
Leah Ward
great question, following
7 upvotes
Asher Rodriguez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is improving in most areas.
6 upvotes
Quinn Williams
Totally agree!
5 upvotes
Isaiah R.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much wild but now it's challenging.
4 upvotes
Ian G.
This.
4 upvotes
mesaheart2020
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Emmett Murphy
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Grayson W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are underrated. 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 pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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