Anyone else feel this way? I'm originally from Indianapolis and The median home value here is around $398,900, which seems about average.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
cool_kennedy77
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Eliana Jackson
hmm interesting perspective
32 upvotes
Santiago Rodriguez
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 11 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 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:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Old Town 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
sacramentofan2025
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Beverly R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. South 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Brielle
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
jonathan_guy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
houston_willow
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
13 upvotes
Adrian Hughes
been saying this for years
13 upvotes
Grayson Wood
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Julie B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Sunset) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
10 upvotes
Genesis Y.
wish I knew this sooner
10 upvotes
Carson S.
Moved here from New York about 7 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to traffic but Definitely worth checking out..
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