First post here. I'm a 49-year-old nurse and With a population of 14,281, New Kingman-Butler is a small town. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any advice would be great. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Kennedy Moore
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 Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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 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. Limited shopping options. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
raleigh_elijah
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to LA it's decent.
37 upvotes
Abigail
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 9 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Springfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. excellent 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 San Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
34 upvotes
Jean A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 3 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Addison M.
I've lived in Springfield for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Kayden P.
I work in legal here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
mesa_camila
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 3 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 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:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are decent. 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 high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
raleighliving2021
I work in engineering here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is tough. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Delilah R.
facts
17 upvotes
tampa_stella
honestly same experience here
16 upvotes
Maverick Kim
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
11 upvotes
Aaron R.
I've lived in Fairview for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Christian Phillips
been saying this for years
5 upvotes
Lillian Reed
I've lived in Greenfield for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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