OK so I'm a teacher here and Household incomes average around $109,026 in Aspen Hill. Median household income is $109,026, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up.
20 upvotes
27 Replies
Aaliyah F.
Saving this thread
39 upvotes
Connor Lewis
preach
36 upvotes
Emilia Gonzalez
glad someone said it
32 upvotes
Nevaeh Rogers
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much reasonable but now it's challenging.
31 upvotes
Carson Alvarez
Moved here from Raleigh about 4 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to dating scene but No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Wesley Martin
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Miami it's surprisingly good.
30 upvotes
Ellie Sanders
I've lived in Eastside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
- The nightlife scene is tough
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Bennett Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 35, moved here 1 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
29 upvotes
Paisley Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 47, moved here 11 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
25 upvotes
Elizabeth M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Hunter
spot on
24 upvotes
Elizabeth Y.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Vivian King
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The nightlife is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Everett Taylor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Genesis Patel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
wild_waylon28
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Eastside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
16 upvotes
Leonardo W.
seconding this
13 upvotes
Madelyn Myers
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is average and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Everett Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Ryan Foster
accurate
10 upvotes
Aiden James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 14 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Asher W.
Bought a house here in 2024 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
6 upvotes
William
Moved here from Chicago about 10 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to weather but Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Serenity M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 37, moved here 6 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
4 upvotes
Zoe Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Downtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.
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.
4 upvotes
Elena
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 27, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Springfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
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