Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 27,135 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Mason City sits at 652.4 per 100K. Rent is about $874/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
19 upvotes
6 Replies
Lucy Williams
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Springfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Jackson Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Katherine M.
big facts right here
12 upvotes
Brielle Carter
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Riley Alvarez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 11 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Aiden Rodriguez
I work in engineering here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is tough. No regrets on my end..
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