It's a a smaller city city with about 50,907 people. Rent is about $1,041/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Should I be concerned? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
19 upvotes
3 Replies
Noah T.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Grace M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 51, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Springfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Portland, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
25 upvotes
Jason M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
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