So, I'm originally from Seattle and Homes are going for about $618,500 on average. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
21 upvotes
25 Replies
Luke Scott
I'm a nurse and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Piper Sanders
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Scarlett Baker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Weston Howard
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
34 upvotes
John C.
nah I disagree
30 upvotes
John Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 49, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. surprisingly 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Ariana
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Lillian Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 47, moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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.
26 upvotes
Hazel King
honestly same experience here
26 upvotes
Charles P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
25 upvotes
Jameson Hughes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Baltimore it's decent.
24 upvotes
Addison Foster
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The cultural scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Hailey Gray
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Andrew
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
raised_aiden55
hmm interesting perspective
15 upvotes
Miles Patel
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Eli Moore
this is the way
13 upvotes
Hannah Ross
I work in tech here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is excellent. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Grace Long
100%
12 upvotes
Luca Phillips
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Mia
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Violet S.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Liam Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
David Martin
big facts right here
2 upvotes
fresnonative2025
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much established but now it's surprisingly good.
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