Been meaning to ask this. I've been here for 11 years and Poverty rate is 16.1%, which is higher than I expected. Crime rate is something to consider -Mission sits at 122.5 per 100K. Homes are going for about $160,800 on average. Rent is about $931/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts. Cheers. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
24 upvotes
25 Replies
Isaiah Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Portland 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 The Heights. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Alice Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 30, moved here 5 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
39 upvotes
Gabriel A.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Sophia Kim
as a local I can confirm
33 upvotes
Jack B.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is average in most areas.
32 upvotes
Benjamin
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great BBQ places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
30 upvotes
Hailey
nah I disagree
29 upvotes
Elena Gonzalez
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The nightlife is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Autumn Scott
I've lived in The Heights for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- The community vibe scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Madelyn Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 12 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
loving_liam65
preach
27 upvotes
Luke Young
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Caleb Taylor
same here
26 upvotes
Wyatt
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 8 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are pretty good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Levi Martin
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Alexa Ruiz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Owen
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
Sophie Anderson
honestly same experience here
12 upvotes
Joshua Evans
100%
10 upvotes
Ralph C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
9 upvotes
Ella Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, 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.
5 upvotes
Hudson Rogers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare 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.
5 upvotes
Roman White
underrated comment
4 upvotes
Hailey Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Daniel Price
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great seafood places. it exceeded my expectations.
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