It's a a smaller city city with about 57,961 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
24 upvotes
22 Replies
Lucas Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 40, moved here 11 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in The Heights and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
40 upvotes
Julian Jackson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Easton Wood
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Paisley Jones
Moved here from Seattle about 14 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to dating scene but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Evan Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 8 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. South 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. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Elena A.
I've lived in Springfield for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Easton Baker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Uptown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
29 upvotes
Mateo Hill
Moved here last year, no regrets.
28 upvotes
Ezekiel Morgan
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Leonardo P.
literally same
24 upvotes
Everett Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Lawrence P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Sebastian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. North 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Jaxon Flores
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
17 upvotes
minneapoliswalker2023
I'm a sales manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Kelly S.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Henry A.
I work in tech here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is excellent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Serenity Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
6 upvotes
Isla Hughes
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
carson_dude
it depends on the neighborhood
5 upvotes
Landon C.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Colton Price
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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