Hey everyone, We're a young couple and Homes are going for about $316,800 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Brooklyn Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. excellent 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
36 upvotes
Gabriel Rogers
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Greenfield area are underrated. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Mia F.
good to know, thanks
24 upvotes
Eleanor Cook
been saying this for years
22 upvotes
Kennedy N.
Bought a house here in 2019 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
19 upvotes
Vivian
accurate
19 upvotes
born_greyson38
hard disagree but ok
17 upvotes
Ronald M.
Bought a house here in 2017 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
12 upvotes
Ian Ramos
I work in education here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is pretty good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Isabella Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Uptown schools are underrated. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Serenity S.
wish I knew this sooner
3 upvotes
Jonathan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Dallas about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
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 average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..