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John Ward
moving
Moving to Morristown with kids -good idea?
Hey folks, Crime rate is something to consider -Morristown sits at 848.
0 upvotes
29 Replies
tucsonguy2026
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Ronald T.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Springfield area are improving. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Sophie
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Eli Ortiz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Scarlett
haha yep pretty much
35 upvotes
Madelyn Alvarez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Melanie Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. average 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
Background: I'm a accountant, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. average 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
32 upvotes
Jose
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene 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.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene 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.
32 upvotes
William Martinez
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Charlotte Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 56, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
Background: I'm a chef, 56, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
30 upvotes
Natalie Reed
This.
29 upvotes
Cora Nelson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Quinn Watson
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
everly_native
it depends on the neighborhood
22 upvotes
Isaiah Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Hazel Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 42, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 42, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
17 upvotes
Wyatt Baker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is decent in most areas.
17 upvotes
Henry
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Santiago Edwards
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The traffic is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Gabriel Rivera
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Noah Ross
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
maverick_walker
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Jack Baker
+1
11 upvotes
proud_camila95
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
11 upvotes
Declan Murphy
exactly what I was thinking
11 upvotes
Lillian Sanders
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Gloria B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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
true_ryan40
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 56, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
Background: I'm a project manager, 56, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
3 upvotes
detroit_hunter
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
1 upvotes