OK so It's a a smaller city city with about 43,336 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Dominic Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 50, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Uptown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
31 upvotes
Greyson G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Kaylee R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 57, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Springfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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