I'm a teacher here and Rent is about $1,569/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Does this match your experience? Appreciate any input. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
28 Replies
Theodore Smith
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Cameron Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 54, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Greenfield and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
38 upvotes
Jack F.
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Jack Hall
Used to live on the West side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
36 upvotes
Luke Martinez
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Asian places. it exceeded my expectations.
35 upvotes
jayden_dude
This.
35 upvotes
everett_dude
Totally agree!
34 upvotes
Bella
+1
32 upvotes
Skylar Brooks
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Violet Diaz
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
29 upvotes
James Ross
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much growing but now it's solid.
27 upvotes
Aiden Wright
seconding this
25 upvotes
Ian Foster
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Peyton
exactly what I was thinking
23 upvotes
Ella W.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Ryan E.
I work in manufacturing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Jameson Richardson
I'm a writer and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Emma J.
Bought a house here in 2017 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
14 upvotes
Evelyn R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Jackson Miller
Saving this thread
12 upvotes
Wesley Robinson
100%
10 upvotes
Rylee T.
good to know, thanks
8 upvotes
Roman W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Jacqueline L.
hmm interesting perspective
5 upvotes
Henry W.
interesting, hadn't considered that
2 upvotes
Mackenzie
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
2 upvotes
Claire Young
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
1 upvotes
Lucy Morris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
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