I'm retired and Crime rate is something to consider -Anderson sits at 578.5 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Serenity Long
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
native_ian37
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 26, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Boston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
37 upvotes
Mason B.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
34 upvotes
Nolan Kim
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much growing but now it's surprisingly good.
31 upvotes
Alice White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 31, moved here 13 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in West and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
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. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. decent 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 Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
27 upvotes
Jose Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from New York about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Sara H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Raleigh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Camila
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from San Francisco about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Jordan Carter
I've lived in Springfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Brielle Rivera
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Aiden R.
seconding this
10 upvotes
Hunter Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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