Hey everyone, I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $79,100 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Jamestown sits at 683.8 per 100K. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Sadie M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Miami about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Colton Foster
I work in manufacturing here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is tough. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Josiah Castillo
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Addison Scott
same here
37 upvotes
Adam Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (East) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
31 upvotes
desert_jonathan46
noted, appreciate it
30 upvotes
Aaron Smith
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Chicago it's pretty good.
23 upvotes
Mia Hernandez
accurate
18 upvotes
Jose Bailey
I've lived in Greenfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
katherine_native
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Dominic E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 30, moved here 7 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Nolan Perez
this is the way
14 upvotes
Ruby Kelly
Came here for weather and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The public transit is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Joseph Sanchez
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in South area are solid. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
delilah_mama
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 28, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Eastside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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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