Longtime lurker here, Median household income is $135,695, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up.
10 upvotes
14 Replies
Gianna Gomez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Nathan O.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 3 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Downtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Julian Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 37, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Meadowbrook and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
31 upvotes
Nora Young
been saying this for years
28 upvotes
Piper T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 58, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in The Heights and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. decent 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
26 upvotes
sunny_lucas44
honestly same experience here
23 upvotes
Amelia M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 27, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Highland and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
19 upvotes
Zoe Mitchell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Dylan Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Adeline Williams
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 2 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails 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 surprisingly 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
David Perez
been saying this for years
5 upvotes
Austin Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
4 upvotes
Amelia W.
noted, appreciate it
1 upvotes
Everett B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 12 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Greenfield schools are surprisingly 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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