I'm retired and Median household income is $83,162, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $523,200 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Foxborough sits at 198.5 per 100K. Poverty rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Paisley Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 6 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Bella Miller
Moved here from Miami about 13 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to healthcare but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Adam C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Julian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 5 years. Moved from Minneapolis for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Sunset 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Xavier Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Scott W.
I've lived in Eastside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Mason Foster
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Gabriel Davis
Moved here from Austin about 13 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
everett_native
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
Madelyn Stewart
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
14 upvotes
jameson_lover
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
12 upvotes
Mason Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 8 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches 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 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Nova Smith
hmm interesting perspective
8 upvotes
Owen Ramos
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Ariana
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.