Curious what people think. I'm originally from St. Louis and The median home value here is around $613,000, which is pretty steep. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Emmett Edwards
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Phoenix it's challenging.
30 upvotes
Grace Myers
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
19 upvotes
Hunter Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Riverside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
9 upvotes
Eliana Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Springfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
9 upvotes
Mateo L.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Indian places. I love the pace of life here.
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