OK so Median household income is $63,810, which feels about average for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
14 Replies
living_savannah13
facts
40 upvotes
vivian_lover
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Charlotte about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Eleanor Jones
100%
30 upvotes
Willow Watson
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
29 upvotes
Madelyn
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Aurora Smith
it depends on the neighborhood
26 upvotes
Ezra
great question, following
22 upvotes
lake_easton79
noted, appreciate it
18 upvotes
Levi R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Midtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
18 upvotes
Logan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
David Taylor
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 48, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Diego, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
7 upvotes
Genesis M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Allison Turner
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
