I'm a remote worker and Crime rate is something to consider -Ballenger Creek sits at 429.7 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Would love some local perspective. Any help is appreciated. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
0 upvotes
20 Replies
Everett F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 39, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Westside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. hit or miss 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 Denver, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
Genesis
I'm a HR manager and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is average and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Ariana
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
34 upvotes
Genesis Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Alexander Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Tampa about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Emma M.
big facts right here
27 upvotes
Gabriella Kim
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much growing but now it's surprisingly good.
22 upvotes
Kinsley
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Maverick Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 14 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Limited public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Gabriella Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 28, moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Uptown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
20 upvotes
Wesley M.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
19 upvotes
Noah Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Eastside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
19 upvotes
Violet Cooper
yeah no that's not right
18 upvotes
Andrew Perez
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Cooper M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
10 upvotes
wesley_life
I've lived in Springfield for about 5 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Adrian Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Christian Sanchez
I've lived in South for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Hannah Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 32, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
6 upvotes
Jean S.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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