OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
23 upvotes
14 Replies
nyclover2022
couldn't agree more
40 upvotes
Isabelle Morales
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in engineering. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Brielle Flores
I've lived in Fairview for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The traffic scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Weston Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Tampa about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Paisley Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 34, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
35 upvotes
Bennett Robinson
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
Bennett G.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Roman Reyes
seconding this
25 upvotes
Axel White
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
Beverly H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 7 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Springfield schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Carter Sanchez
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Bella Hughes
100%
14 upvotes
Alexander Ortiz
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 11 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 Portland, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Kaylee Cox
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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