So, You can expect to pay around $1,955 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 20,975 people. The median home value here is around $312,700, which seems about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Anna sits at 118.0 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation? TIA! The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
6 upvotes
10 Replies
tucson_sofia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Aubrey Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 14 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Brielle H.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Landon Ortiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
Carter A.
big facts right here
31 upvotes
Katherine M.
I've lived in South for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Lily Alvarez
yep
17 upvotes
Scarlett Thomas
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Cora Kim
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Indian places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
5 upvotes
Jonathan White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 28, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
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