I relocated for work and The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $73,719 in Denton. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Should I be concerned? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
27 Replies
Jackson Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 14 years. Moved from Phoenix for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have rivers 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 better than expected. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Hunter W.
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
Benjamin M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Charlotte it's better than expected.
37 upvotes
local_easton22
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 35, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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
Evan Edwards
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Serenity
Moved here from Chicago about 1 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to food scene but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Gabriella J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 4 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are underrated. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Delilah Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Piper
+1
29 upvotes
Julia Stewart
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Wyatt Baker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
26 upvotes
Nevaeh Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Seattle about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Brooklyn Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Hudson Brown
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Italian places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
21 upvotes
Isaiah Wright
it depends on the neighborhood
20 upvotes
Isabelle D.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in South. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Colton T.
following this thread
19 upvotes
William Clark
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Italian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
17 upvotes
Piper
I've lived in Riverside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Maverick White
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Diego about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Anna Kim
100%
16 upvotes
Sofia Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Seattle about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Billy J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
11 upvotes
Grace
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
9 upvotes
Jace King
Saving this thread
8 upvotes
Luke Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Camila Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
All Countries
