Hi all, I'm a 46-year-old HR manager and The median home value here is around $393,500, which seems about average. Crime rate is something to consider — Elizabeth sits at 719.2 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Any advice would be great.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Lily C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from LA about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Grayson
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Uptown area are improving. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
kcfan2024
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Asher R.
I've lived in The Heights for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The pet-friendliness scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Quinn Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 48, moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Midtown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. 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 Raleigh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
23 upvotes
Camila White
underrated comment
23 upvotes
Vivian H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Naomi G.
big facts right here
15 upvotes
Samuel Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Delilah Reyes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 4 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Greenfield and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
13 upvotes
Luke Patel
accurate
1 upvotes
Charlotte Rogers
I've lived in West for about 12 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 Austin, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
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