Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 5.4%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Orchard Mesa sits at 476.9 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,588 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Thanks for reading. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Alexa Ward
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Bennett M.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
stl_nicholas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 5 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Leonardo M.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The nightlife is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Adrian Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Isla Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
David Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Nova Cooper
been saying this for years
16 upvotes
Nevaeh
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Oak Park area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
10 upvotes
hazel_native
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Matthew Watson
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The dating scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
detroitwalker2026
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 14 years. Moved from Miami for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Downtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
urban_weston80
I'm a writer and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
All Countries
