Hey folks, Crime rate is something to consider -Brandermill sits at 578.6 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thoughts?
5 upvotes
8 Replies
Ariana
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in finance. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Sean G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Charlotte C.
I work in construction here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is hit or miss. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Naomi Thomas
I work in real estate here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is decent. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Adrian L.
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 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 Miami, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The healthcare scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Leonardo W.
bump
9 upvotes
Aria C.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The weather is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Ava Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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