OK so We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 45--F, so bundle up in winter. Poverty rate is 6.0%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thanks for reading. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Caroline Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 12 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
tech is strong here. healthcare 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Lori C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Anna Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 7 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are surprisingly good. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Thomas Smith
nah I disagree
34 upvotes
Landon Sanchez
not my experience at all
34 upvotes
Adam Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 14 years. Moved from Phoenix for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Natalie N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Miles Nelson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Mason Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in East and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
25 upvotes
Jameson Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 12 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
savannah_dude
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Kayden Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 1 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. South schools are solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Connor Robinson
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The pet-friendliness is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
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