Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 6.3%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Has anyone dealt with this? The city has invested a lot in new development.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Jose Chavez
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cost of living is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Maya Jimenez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
33 upvotes
Susan C.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Aubrey Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
lake_david50
as a local I can confirm
26 upvotes
Thomas Hernandez
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much wild but now it's pretty good.
26 upvotes
Connor Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 52, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Springfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
24 upvotes
Asher Wright
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Landon Rogers
Came here for family and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The dating scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Theodore Ortiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
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