Longtime lurker here, You can expect to pay around $983 for rent here. Rent is about $983/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots?
17 upvotes
10 Replies
Savannah Diaz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Lillian D.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
33 upvotes
luca_heart
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Isaiah Johnson
preach
16 upvotes
Mackenzie Perez
it depends on the neighborhood
15 upvotes
lake_naomi23
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Westside schools are decent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Bennett Phillips
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 improving and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Westside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
7 upvotes
Abigail H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 12 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 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:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Old Town schools are tough. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Hunter Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are average. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Kai Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from LA about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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