Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in retail and With a population of 57,702, Bel Air South is a smaller city. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thoughts? Thanks! Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
0 upvotes
10 Replies
Ava Ruiz
I've lived in Midtown for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The community vibe scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Aubrey Hill
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Caroline O.
wish I knew this sooner
24 upvotes
Joan W.
great question, following
20 upvotes
Brielle Ramos
Moved here from Tampa about 9 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to school system but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Savannah Young
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
11 upvotes
Sophie S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Thomas Howard
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The pet-friendliness is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Jaxon Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 40, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
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