Alright, It's a a small town city with about 3,426 people. With a population of 3,426, Dandridge is a small town. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? Looking forward to hearing from you all.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Jameson Cruz
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
35 upvotes
Elijah B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 56, moved here 2 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Greyson Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 27, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Uptown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Melanie Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 4 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are challenging. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Ian Morris
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. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
thomas_heart
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in North area are excellent. Kids love it here.
All Countries
