Hi all, Been living here since 2014. Am I wrong here? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
5 upvotes
6 Replies
Everly C.
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 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - 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 food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. challenging 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 Tampa, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
40 upvotes
Sofia M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 38, moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. challenging 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
35 upvotes
Ellie T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Aaron Wood
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Delilah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 5 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Autumn W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..