Hello, My partner and I are Poverty rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think? TIA! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Greyson Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Downtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
34 upvotes
Roman Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are pretty good. 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. Winters are long and cold. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Alexander Roberts
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to LA it's underrated.
28 upvotes
John T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Ava Gomez
I've lived in Springfield for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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