Hi all, Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Big Stone Gap? TIA! The weather takes some getting used to.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Brielle Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
40 upvotes
parker_vibes
Bought a house here in 2018 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
34 upvotes
Elizabeth
literally same
34 upvotes
Paisley M.
seconding this
32 upvotes
Claire C.
hard disagree but ok
28 upvotes
Serenity Brooks
spot on
24 upvotes
cincylocal2025
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 2 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts 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 excellent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Jack Hughes
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
19 upvotes
Carson Reed
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Samuel R.
Moved here from New York about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to housing market but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
sacramento_olivia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Amelia Thomas
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much developing but now it's improving.
6 upvotes
Nicholas Jackson
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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