Curious what people think. Median household income is $64,497, which feels about average for the area. It's a a mid-size city city with about 101K people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Let me know your thoughts. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
33 upvotes
14 Replies
Daniel Martin
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Maverick Ross
honestly same experience here
35 upvotes
mountain_olivia38
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 41, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Eastside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. average 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
35 upvotes
columbus_adrian
big facts right here
33 upvotes
Christian A.
I've lived in Westside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Luna Allen
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
Ella Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Springfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
23 upvotes
Adeline
honestly same experience here
20 upvotes
Zoey Phillips
spot on
20 upvotes
luca_heart
yep
19 upvotes
stl_lillian
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
14 upvotes
Kinsley Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 14 years. Moved from San Francisco for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
marketing is strong here. education 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Greenfield schools are decent. 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 public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Marie H.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.