Longtime lurker here, It's a a small town city with about 10,863 people. With a population of 10,863, Canton is a small town. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Any advice would be great. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
10 Replies
Angela G.
I've lived in Springfield for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Ariana Edwards
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Leah
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
raised_nolan58
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Michael W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Kayden Ross
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in marketing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Leah G.
couldn't agree more
13 upvotes
Virginia K.
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Connor L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 26, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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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