Been meaning to ask this. Median household income is $63,542, which feels about average for the area. Is this normal for Bangor?
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Jeremiah Long
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
40 upvotes
minneapolisheart2026
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
38 upvotes
Austin Ruiz
thanks for sharing
32 upvotes
mountain_elijah38
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Thai places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
30 upvotes
dcvibes2023
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Jose Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 53, moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. better than expected 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
18 upvotes
Mary K.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
17 upvotes
David M.
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
8 upvotes
Nicholas T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
miami_arianna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 35, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
6 upvotes
Jackson Howard
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's tough.
5 upvotes
Ezra O.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Thomas Young
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. 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 rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Connor W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Tampa, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.