Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -Banning sits at 432.4 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
29 upvotes
13 Replies
Wesley Castillo
I've lived in North for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Hazel
glad someone said it
35 upvotes
Easton A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene 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.
28 upvotes
Hudson J.
This.
27 upvotes
Samuel Nelson
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great craft beer places. the quality of life is solid.
24 upvotes
Zoe J.
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Zoey
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
native_bennett73
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Kinsley Young
following this thread
9 upvotes
Kai Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 13 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Old Town 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Claire Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 45, moved here 4 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
8 upvotes
Violet Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Camila
I've lived in Springfield for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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