Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $95,823, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Worth the trade-offs? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
28 upvotes
11 Replies
Thomas Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 44, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
35 upvotes
Raymond C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Isla Parker
I've lived in Westside for about 12 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 school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Genesis Miller
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely improving and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
23 upvotes
nashville_sadie
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Westside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
21 upvotes
Matthew Campbell
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Lucy L.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Julian Morris
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
13 upvotes
Hannah T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Axel Baker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Naomi Mendoza
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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