Alright, Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
28 upvotes
2 Replies
houston_noah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 43, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Springfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. solid 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 Denver, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
32 upvotes
Genesis Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in government. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.