I relocated for work and You can expect to pay around $1,207 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Jonathan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Bennett Chavez
Came here for retirement 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.
26 upvotes
greyson_living
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is improving in most areas.
26 upvotes
Caleb Baker
Moved here from LA about 15 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Jacob M.
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Samuel Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. 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 Charlotte, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
18 upvotes
lake_carter57
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 46, moved here 12 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Springfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Nashville, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
15 upvotes
Avery Davis
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Logan Ortiz
Bought a house here in 2015 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
13 upvotes
William Jones
Bought a house here in 2021 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
6 upvotes
Axel Garcia
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Oak Park area are improving. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Paisley Lewis
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
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