Moving to Bradfordville with kids -good idea?

Everly King Jan 30, 2025

Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Baltimore about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.

Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities

Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold

Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.

Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..

39 upvotes

Julia Richardson Feb 7, 2025

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a software engineer, 46, moved here 9 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Springfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 San Diego, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.

10 upvotes