Been meaning to ask this. I'm originally from Nashville and The median home value here is around $97,000, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $402/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $97,000 on average. The unemployment rate is 7.4%, which is concerning. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Does this match your experience? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Adam M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Luke Reed
Totally agree!
31 upvotes
James Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 33, moved here 9 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
27 upvotes
Matthew Adams
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
John Nelson
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
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