OK so I'm retired and It's a a small town city with about 17,875 people. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Let me know your thoughts.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Savannah K.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
36 upvotes
Avery S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from LA about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Jack Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Riley Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside 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..
23 upvotes
Caroline P.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Colton Gray
literally same
16 upvotes
Cameron Chavez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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