Curious what people think. Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Luke Martinez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Eugene G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 51, moved here 15 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
20 upvotes
Hunter Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 58, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
19 upvotes
Johnny W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 46, moved here 5 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Springfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Dallas, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
17 upvotes
chicagokid2021
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Hudson Johnson
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Elizabeth Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 12 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are tough. 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Reagan B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 39, moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
1 upvotes
Emilia W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Seattle it's decent.
All Countries
