First post here. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation?
4 upvotes
17 Replies
Kinsley Wood
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from LA about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Isaac Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in West and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
37 upvotes
Owen Davis
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
37 upvotes
Levi R.
I've lived in Springfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by food scene. 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 job market scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Christina K.
I've lived in Highland for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Luca B.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
34 upvotes
Hunter E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Josiah Castillo
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
33 upvotes
Kathryn J.
facts
21 upvotes
Nolan Torres
accurate
18 upvotes
Hazel Ortiz
Bought a house here in 2017 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
11 upvotes
Liam Robinson
literally same
10 upvotes
Jayden Clark
good to know, thanks
9 upvotes
Jace P.
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Naomi Young
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is challenging in most areas.
3 upvotes
Delilah Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Charlotte about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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