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Skylar Kelly
moving
Moving to Liberal with kids -good idea?
First post here. Does this match your experience? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
8 Replies
Austin Parker
I've lived in West for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
urban_emily61
I've lived in The Heights for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cost of living scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cost of living scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Madelyn
Came here for school and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The food scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Isabella Rogers
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much growing but now it's improving.
6 upvotes
Olivia B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Nova C.
facts
6 upvotes
Weston
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Ian T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
Background: I'm a teacher, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
3 upvotes