Hey everyone, It's a a smaller city city with about 50,607 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any help is appreciated.
5 upvotes
30 Replies
sf_delilah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Daniel K.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
real estate is strong here. retail 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are solid. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Connor Long
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is improving in most areas.
39 upvotes
Zoe Turner
bump
37 upvotes
Addison Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Mia W.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
33 upvotes
Parker Rivera
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Robert W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Sophia Jones
I'm a nurse and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
David Sanders
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is improving in most areas.
27 upvotes
Michael R.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Noah S.
glad someone said it
22 upvotes
Isabelle T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
22 upvotes
Caleb Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Uptown schools are solid. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Levi Phillips
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Parker Diaz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Clara Ross
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (North) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
18 upvotes
Grace T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is improving in most areas.
17 upvotes
Natalie Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Andrew Brown
bump
13 upvotes
Hunter Ramos
seconding this
12 upvotes
Owen Williams
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
11 upvotes
Landon
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramos
preach
6 upvotes
Leah Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Peyton
+1
5 upvotes
Aria
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The housing market is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Harper B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
1 upvotes
Madelyn G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
1 upvotes
Theodore Ramirez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
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