I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. With a population of 15,724, Longmeadow is a small town. Rent is about $1,650/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Luke Martinez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The cultural scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Joseph Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Francisco about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Henry Myers
Moved here from Chicago about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to school system but Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Violet W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
28 upvotes
Michael Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 42, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in South and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Austin, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
26 upvotes
Brooklyn Lopez
honestly same experience here
23 upvotes
Isabella
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. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Logan Kim
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
20 upvotes
Audrey G.
not my experience at all
19 upvotes
Paisley Lopez
same here
19 upvotes
Easton Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 13 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are average. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
17 upvotes
Sebastian Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 12 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Cedar Grove schools are excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
