Hey everyone, Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $114,688, which feels pretty solid for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
28 upvotes
18 Replies
Madelyn Lee
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Victoria Evans
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The housing market is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Luke Campbell
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
35 upvotes
nycchef2023
I've lived in Old Town for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Adrian J.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The weather is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Victoria Jimenez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Ethan Rogers
I've lived in Springfield for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Ethan Garcia
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Julian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
sophie_runner
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Adrian Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Luke Ramirez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is excellent in most areas.
19 upvotes
Jonathan B.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Uptown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Elijah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 37, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Leonardo Hall
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Kyle R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Luke Young
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
0 upvotes
Gabriel Green
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
All Countries
