Poverty rate is 24.7%, which is higher than I expected. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think? Any help is appreciated. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
Quinn Flores
as a local I can confirm
37 upvotes
Luna Williams
I've lived in Greenfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Vivian Murphy
Bought a house here in 2020 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
25 upvotes
Victoria
couldn't agree more
24 upvotes
Austin
literally same
23 upvotes
jaxwalker2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Cora C.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
20 upvotes
Mackenzie Thompson
I work in finance here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Michael Richardson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Mateo Ruiz
I'm a real estate agent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Carolyn T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 40, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
8 upvotes
Jaxon P.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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