Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $263,200 on average. Poverty rate is 13.9%, which is around average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
brooklyn_rider
hard disagree but ok
38 upvotes
Evan
I work in government here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is tough. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Cooper Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Diego about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Isaiah T.
Moved here from San Francisco about 3 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to food scene but Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Elijah Ward
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is average in most areas.
16 upvotes
Aaliyah Thompson
hard disagree but ok
15 upvotes
dallas_lucy
I'm a project manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Valentina Anderson
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Maya Davis
preach
10 upvotes
Leonardo
yep
9 upvotes
Hudson Adams
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
austindude2025
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 3 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. West schools are improving. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, 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
Eva W.
100%
5 upvotes
Mackenzie Rogers
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much manageable but now it's excellent.
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