Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. The unemployment rate is 0.7%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance!
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Kayden
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much growing but now it's surprisingly good.
40 upvotes
Miles Walker
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Cameron B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Randy C.
Came here for weather and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cultural scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Chloe B.
Used to live on the North side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
21 upvotes
Olivia P.
couldn't agree more
12 upvotes
Katherine Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 4 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Eliana Gonzalez
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The community vibe is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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