OK so I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Homes are going for about $159,200 on average. Median household income is $54,424, which feels on the lower side for the area. The median home value here is around $159,200, which is actually reasonable. It's a a small town city with about 11,385 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Low crime in most areas
- Close to nature
- Diverse community
- Strong sense of community
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Sprawl everywhere
- High property taxes
- Homelessness issues downtown
Anyone in a similar situation? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Audrey Evans
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
40 upvotes
Pamela J.
I work in government here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
raised_jeremiah43
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from San Diego about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Owen Richardson
Used to live on the East side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
35 upvotes
Aaliyah
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Hazel Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 46, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Raleigh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
28 upvotes
Isabelle S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Minneapolis it's pretty good.
24 upvotes
Cameron Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely challenging and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
21 upvotes
Mason Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 9 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
George L.
exactly what I was thinking
17 upvotes
Jayden Peterson
this is the way
16 upvotes
Jace Allen
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Everly Smith
following this thread
12 upvotes
Grace Morales
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
1 upvotes
Xavier Harris
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The nightlife is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
All Countries
