Longtime lurker here, My partner and I are Household incomes average around $91,169 in Midland. Homes are going for about $298,600 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Let me know your thoughts. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
43 upvotes
19 Replies
Lydia Perez
as a local I can confirm
39 upvotes
Piper
glad someone said it
38 upvotes
Xavier W.
I've lived in Springfield for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Leo J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Claire C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (North) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene 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.
32 upvotes
Emmett Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 36, moved here 11 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
30 upvotes
Jace Brown
+1
28 upvotes
Charlotte Reed
seconding this
26 upvotes
Ruby Garcia
Bought a house here in 2015 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
25 upvotes
Leah G.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Oak Park area are solid. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Reagan Alvarez
hard disagree but ok
20 upvotes
Caleb Carter
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
omaha_aaron
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 51, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in South and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
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. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
18 upvotes
Madelyn W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Declan Gray
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Declan C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
retail is strong here. healthcare 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Lakewood schools are challenging. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Emma Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
1 upvotes
Marilyn C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
1 upvotes
Waylon Taylor
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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