Not sure if this has been asked before, but Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $453,400 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Anyone in a similar situation? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Isaiah Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Michael Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
21 upvotes
Eva Reyes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Ellie Miller
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Kai W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 25, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. better than expected 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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