The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thoughts? Thanks in advance! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
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Brenda R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 40, moved here 13 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Springfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Houston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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