Hi all, Median household income is $72,066, which feels about average for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance! Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Allison Myers
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Christian Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 7 years. Moved from Phoenix for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Lucas R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Midtown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
31 upvotes
Genesis Rodriguez
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The pet-friendliness is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
connor_kid
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 6 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Andrew Brooks
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Cora S.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Kinsley Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 48, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Downtown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
17 upvotes
aubrey_mind
it depends on the neighborhood
17 upvotes
Eva Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Thomas
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Naomi
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
Grace Martin
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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