Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 16 years and Median household income is $70,497, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 8.0%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 85,794 people. Household incomes average around $70,497 in Medford. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Medford? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. 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. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
13 upvotes
24 Replies
Logan Edwards
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
coastal_quinn90
Moved here from Denver about 5 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to public transit but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Oliver Gomez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Hazel Diaz
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
33 upvotes
Autumn Reyes
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
32 upvotes
Kaylee Reed
I've lived in Springfield for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Nicole J.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is average in most areas.
25 upvotes
Alexander Brooks
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Lily Edwards
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor recreation is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Addison Carter
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
23 upvotes
Lily N.
glad someone said it
23 upvotes
Alice
accurate
21 upvotes
James Ruiz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Naomi W.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
16 upvotes
allison_walker
great question, following
16 upvotes
Lucas Baker
noted, appreciate it
14 upvotes
Parker Martinez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Brooks
Came here for school and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The nightlife is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Maverick Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 40, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Uptown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
12 upvotes
Eliana
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Ian B.
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
6 upvotes
Aubrey Jackson
it depends on the neighborhood
6 upvotes
Mia Williams
as a local I can confirm
6 upvotes
Madeline Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 15 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**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 wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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