Hello, We have two kids and Median household income is $76,551, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,214 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. TIA! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to.
26 upvotes
12 Replies
Connor Murphy
This.
40 upvotes
Peyton Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Margaret Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Sunset and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. pretty good 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
36 upvotes
James Lee
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
35 upvotes
Aria Collins
not my experience at all
35 upvotes
Liam Watson
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Cedar Grove area are average. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Ashley H.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The pet-friendliness is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Jeremiah
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The food scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Emmett R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 41, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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