Hey folks, Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $830/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $116,400, which is actually reasonable. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. 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. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Oliver G.
underrated comment
34 upvotes
Colton Ramos
not my experience at all
28 upvotes
Nathan Bennett
Bought a house here in 2016 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
22 upvotes
Jacob Price
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Clara
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in East and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
20 upvotes
Julian Brown
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
Clara Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Springfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
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