OK so I work in healthcare and It's a a smaller city city with about 70,468 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I wrong here? Thanks for reading. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
19 upvotes
7 Replies
Cameron Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
William Rogers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Jameson Ross
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
28 upvotes
miamirunner2022
good to know, thanks
16 upvotes
Lily N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 58, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
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. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
8 upvotes
Emily Kelly
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is tough in most areas.
5 upvotes
Harper Hill
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Indian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
All Countries
