OK so I grew up here but left for a while. Median household income is $53,051, which feels on the lower side for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. TIA! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
indywalker2025
Moved here from Raleigh about 14 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to healthcare but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Natalie Garcia
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
38 upvotes
Carson Garcia
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Greenfield area are underrated. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Natalie Chavez
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
34 upvotes
Julia Miller
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
30 upvotes
Hannah P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Springfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Genesis Cook
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much reasonable but now it's improving.
27 upvotes
Christian Hernandez
wish I knew this sooner
24 upvotes
Oliver P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 29, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. pretty good 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
15 upvotes
Claire Walker
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much competitive but now it's hit or miss.
10 upvotes
Mia Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Willow Ruiz
following this thread
7 upvotes
Wesley Hall
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
