Hey, Rent is about $1,527/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Does this match your experience? The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
2 upvotes
11 Replies
Gabriella Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
oliver_soul
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Aria C.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much reasonable but now it's surprisingly good.
33 upvotes
Robert C.
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
30 upvotes
Adeline Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Landon Alvarez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Phoenix it's excellent.
16 upvotes
Aurora R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Dallas about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Gabriella B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Jean C.
accurate
9 upvotes
Benjamin Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 pretty good. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Russell C.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- The public transit scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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