Born and raised here. Household incomes average around $73,348 in Clayton. Crime rate is something to consider -Clayton sits at 167.8 per 100K. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
19 upvotes
15 Replies
Easton Rodriguez
glad someone said it
34 upvotes
Lillian Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from New York about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Theodore W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Sunset and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
24 upvotes
Ian Rodriguez
big facts right here
20 upvotes
Heather C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Leonardo Edwards
this is the way
17 upvotes
Quinn Clark
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
13 upvotes
Alice Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Wesley Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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
Gabriel T.
Came here for work and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The cost of living is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Hazel Peterson
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Eli T.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The pet-friendliness is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Declan Chavez
100%
1 upvotes
Ralph P.
I'm a HR manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
0 upvotes
Rylee Sanchez
Moved here from Boston about 11 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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