Been meaning to ask this. I'm a remote worker and Crime rate is something to consider -Devens sits at 352.7 per 100K. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $113,125 in Devens. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What would you do? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
5 upvotes
8 Replies
Declan W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 55, moved here 9 years ago from New York. I've lived in West and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
39 upvotes
Dylan K.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
33 upvotes
Olivia Myers
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Jace Thomas
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Hazel Gutierrez
underrated comment
15 upvotes
Colton P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 13 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
dc_christian
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (East) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
5 upvotes
Amelia Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
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