Been meaning to ask this. I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 28,128 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What would you do? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
22 upvotes
15 Replies
chicago_wesley
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Adam
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Avery Cook
following this thread
38 upvotes
Nova S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Addison S.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
stl_logan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is challenging in most areas.
30 upvotes
Paisley C.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Charlotte Taylor
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Emilia Ortiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Elena Reyes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 24, moved here 9 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
24 upvotes
Hannah R.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The healthcare is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Alexa Long
following this thread
20 upvotes
Caroline Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Gianna Ward
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it was the best decision I ever made.
7 upvotes
Isaiah Davis
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
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