Hey folks, I'm a teacher here and Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Rent is about $866/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Anyone in a similar situation? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
20 upvotes
5 Replies
Kelly M.
Came here for weather and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The healthcare is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Mateo L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 26, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
28 upvotes
Christina P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Phoenix about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Nathan Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 30, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
9 upvotes
Valentina Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 24, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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