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Kai Miller best-worst

Big Sandy is underrated, change my mind

Been meaning to ask this. With a population of 1,215, Big Sandy is a small town. It's a a small town city with about 1,215 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes

15 Replies

Isabelle Gray
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.

I've been here 10 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Brielle T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.

I've been here 6 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is solid.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Alexander Wright
seconding this
34 upvotes
Brooklyn Jimenez
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Daniel Nelson
underrated comment
25 upvotes
Dominic Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.

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.
25 upvotes
Axel D.
I've lived in Springfield for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cultural scene scene is improving

The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate

Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Leonardo W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to New York it's challenging.
16 upvotes
Natalie C.
I've lived in Fairview for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The healthcare scene is solid

The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options

Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Nova R.
Bought a house here in 2019 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
16 upvotes
Robert C.
hard disagree but ok
11 upvotes
chicagokid2021
This.
7 upvotes
Theodore Reed
I've lived in Oak Park for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is better than expected

The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options

Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Carter A.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Jaxon C.
I work in construction here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is challenging. Definitely worth checking out..
2 upvotes
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