Longtime lurker here, The suburbs are where most families end up. Thoughts? TIA!
0 upvotes
4 Replies
Avery B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Springfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
12 upvotes
milwaukeechef2023
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
tucson_allison
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 11 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. marketing 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Reagan Martinez
I work in finance here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..