Longtime lurker here, Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $96,836 in Gold Key Lake. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What do you all think? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. 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.
9 upvotes
6 Replies
Eleanor Perez
nah I disagree
40 upvotes
Jacob Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Dominic Hill
noted, appreciate it
5 upvotes
Zoe S.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The public transit is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Melanie Sanders
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in West area are solid. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Leah James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 14 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. South 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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