Anyone else feel this way? Been living here since 2007. Homes are going for about $918,100 on average. You can expect to pay around $2,169 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 3,201 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? Cheers. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Allison Martin
Bought a house here in 2020 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
38 upvotes
real_isaac91
couldn't agree more
32 upvotes
Skylar Green
I've lived in Greenfield for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Addison Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Uptown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
24 upvotes
Avery Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable 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 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.
23 upvotes
Jace Martinez
yep
22 upvotes
Mason Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 2 years. Moved from Denver for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Luca Turner
I've lived in Riverside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Austin James
yeah no that's not right
13 upvotes
Hudson Myers
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
10 upvotes
Anna Perez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Connor T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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