OK so I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $80,521, which feels pretty solid for the area. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks in advance!
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Greyson Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Minneapolis about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Gerald S.
great question, following
28 upvotes
Weston Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 30, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Westside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
21 upvotes
Ryan
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Jackson R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 11 years. Moved from San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Everly Patel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely improving and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Riverside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
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