Been meaning to ask this. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $1,528/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
18 Replies
luna_rider
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The nightlife is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Ellie Morales
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Springfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Mateo Ramirez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Springfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
33 upvotes
Daniel Brown
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Maple Ridge area are average. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Isla Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are pretty good. 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 high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Zoey Smith
preach
22 upvotes
Austin Parker
Bought a house here in 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Easton Nelson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Madeline P.
thanks for sharing
18 upvotes
raleigh_ella
100%
12 upvotes
Jack Ruiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in construction. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Isabella Myers
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
11 upvotes
Nevaeh Sanders
literally same
10 upvotes
Connor Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Julian Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Quinn Baker
wish I knew this sooner
8 upvotes
tulsapapa2023
not my experience at all
7 upvotes
Anna R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely decent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside 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.
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