Alright, I'm retired and It's a a smaller city city with about 39,297 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
20 upvotes
26 Replies
William
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Austin about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
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 underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Henry C.
seconding this
35 upvotes
Audrey K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 26, moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in South and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
33 upvotes
Zoe Gray
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
31 upvotes
Jameson Thompson
glad someone said it
28 upvotes
Isabella Collins
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Isla Parker
noted, appreciate it
27 upvotes
Audrey Hall
Moved here last year, no regrets.
25 upvotes
Wesley Garcia
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The safety is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Julian M.
honestly same experience here
23 upvotes
Austin Williams
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Adeline S.
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
Bennett Flores
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Salt Lake City it's tough.
21 upvotes
Xavier R.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The healthcare is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Aaron M.
honestly same experience here
14 upvotes
Isaiah Cooper
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Phoenix it's tough.
13 upvotes
Theodore Smith
nah I disagree
12 upvotes
Julia L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta 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 Riverside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Vivian R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Chicago about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Genesis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in government. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Anna Allen
glad someone said it
5 upvotes
Connor Hernandez
wish I knew this sooner
4 upvotes
Jeremiah B.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
Amelia Mendoza
this is the way
3 upvotes
Aaliyah W.
literally same
2 upvotes
Colton Young
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
