Hey everyone, I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $1,207/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,207 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
8 upvotes
4 Replies
Leah Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
26 upvotes
Quinn R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
22 upvotes
Jace B.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
21 upvotes
jackson_girl
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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