Random thought, We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 18,245 people. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Would love some local perspective. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Keith C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Nashville about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Wyatt Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Austin about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Mateo Jackson
+1
32 upvotes
declan_walker
Came here for weather and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The dating scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Jeremiah Reyes
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
Hunter Gray
haha yep pretty much
31 upvotes
Angel Hughes
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Robert Long
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
25 upvotes
Isabelle Brooks
Moved here from Denver about 9 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Wyatt D.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
16 upvotes
Eva Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Highland schools are challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Abigail Anderson
wish I knew this sooner
11 upvotes
happy_zoey99
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Owen Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 53, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. solid 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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