Just moved here 11 months ago and Crime rate is something to consider -Largo sits at 383.7 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Mason A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Weston K.
I work in marketing here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is underrated. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Henry Reed
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Hudson Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Luke Clark
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
16 upvotes
sdkid2026
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Heather P.
not my experience at all
15 upvotes
Elijah
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Delilah Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Eva
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely challenging and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Highland) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
4 upvotes
Dylan M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
2 upvotes
Nathan King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 44, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 New York, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
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