Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Household incomes average around $41,705 in Butler. With a population of 13,306, Butler is a small town. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Has anyone dealt with this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
4 upvotes
4 Replies
Allison Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Jordan Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 39, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Westside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
33 upvotes
Sophia P.
Bought a house here in 2021 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Mia C.
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
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