Hello, Does this match your experience? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Wesley Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Brooks King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Claire Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Harper
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
22 upvotes
David Robinson
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The community vibe is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Easton G.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Allison Watson
Came here for work and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Hunter Anderson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Houston it's better than expected.
20 upvotes
Addison Howard
facts
17 upvotes
Mateo Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Nolan Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..