Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 20 years and Homes are going for about $182,300 on average. The median home value here is around $182,300, which is actually reasonable. It's a a mid-size city city with about 204K people. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
50 upvotes
6 Replies
Skylar H.
I've lived in East for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
William Turner
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Owen W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 15 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Nolan C.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Bennett
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Miami it's surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
Parker Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 36, moved here 12 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.
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