Not sure if this has been asked before, but My partner and I are You can expect to pay around $1,751 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Barnstable Town sits at 404.3 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Does this match your experience? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Nathan P.
preach
37 upvotes
Emily Garcia
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Easton S.
yep
33 upvotes
Sophia Chavez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Sophie Kelly
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Ezra Thompson
Moved here from Nashville about 5 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to weather but Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Emmett Long
good to know, thanks
25 upvotes
Aubrey N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 47, moved here 15 years ago from LA. I've lived in North and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. average 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 LA, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
15 upvotes
Jackson C.
not my experience at all
14 upvotes
Christian S.
been saying this for years
13 upvotes
Allison Anderson
Used to live on the South side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
12 upvotes
jaxlife2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Caleb King
honestly same experience here
2 upvotes
Everett M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
1 upvotes
julia_soul
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The healthcare is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
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