We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
3 upvotes
14 Replies
Sebastian Baker
I'm a project manager and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Cooper C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Anna W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely pretty good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
31 upvotes
Mackenzie Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 50, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Greenfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
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. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
25 upvotes
Bruce G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Bennett T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Carson Stewart
same here
19 upvotes
Evan Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 3 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks 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 excellent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Bennett Robinson
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Declan T.
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 1 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 challenging. 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. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Vivian Thompson
thanks for sharing
11 upvotes
Eli A.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The public transit scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Bella
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Alexa
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Pittsburgh it's surprisingly good.
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