Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
10 Replies
Ashley T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 37, moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Fairview and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Charlotte, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
37 upvotes
Eliana W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Kaylee Carter
following this thread
19 upvotes
Katherine C.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
15 upvotes
Brooklyn Nguyen
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Baltimore it's pretty good.
14 upvotes
Paisley King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 4 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
13 upvotes
Nicholas Mendoza
as a local I can confirm
11 upvotes
Jace Turner
good to know, thanks
3 upvotes
Natalie B.
I'm a chef and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Josiah N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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