Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $2,133/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What are your go-to spots? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
5 upvotes
11 Replies
austin_jonathan
this is the way
36 upvotes
Savannah Hill
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Greenfield area are average. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Quinn Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Westside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
23 upvotes
Jordan Taylor
yeah no that's not right
21 upvotes
Megan G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Jameson N.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
Levi Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 4 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails 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 decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Allison Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Boston about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Axel P.
couldn't agree more
10 upvotes
Aiden Diaz
I've lived in West for about 6 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 Portland, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..