Hey folks, I'm originally from Minneapolis and With a population of 10,974, Halfway is a small town. Poverty rate is 11.2%, which is around average. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thanks!
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Weston Bailey
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
40 upvotes
Brielle Price
Came here for family and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Addison E.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Lucy G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 36, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Springfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. tough 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 Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
22 upvotes
Isaiah Martin
Moved here from Miami about 8 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to dating scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
evelyn_heart
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Zoe
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Lucy Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from New York about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Serenity Campbell
yep
16 upvotes
Carter Ward
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Brooklyn S.
good to know, thanks
10 upvotes
Samuel Sanders
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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