Hey everyone, Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $48,965 in Kalamazoo. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Is this normal for Kalamazoo? The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
24 upvotes
15 Replies
Ellie Long
following this thread
40 upvotes
Elijah Mitchell
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
Katherine Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Ethan Long
spot on
37 upvotes
Ezra H.
nah I disagree
33 upvotes
Mason S.
accurate
32 upvotes
Everly M.
underrated comment
31 upvotes
Christian A.
I've lived in Riverside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Savannah Kelly
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is improving in most areas.
18 upvotes
Everett Adams
I'm a nurse and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Jameson C.
I work in retail here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is average. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Jaxon Cruz
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Jayden M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Angel King
I've lived in Uptown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The housing market scene is average
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Matthew King
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much affordable but now it's better than expected.
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