It's a a small town city with about 2,837 people. Homes are going for about $135,400 on average. Household incomes average around $63,393 in Osage City. With a population of 2,837, Osage City is a small town. Crime rate is something to consider -Osage City sits at 676.9 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Anyone in a similar situation? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Brooklyn Rodriguez
I've lived in South for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Julian Baker
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
32 upvotes
James Morgan
not my experience at all
30 upvotes
Zoe Baker
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 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 Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The safety scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Serenity Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 43, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in The Heights and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
26 upvotes
Leo
yeah no that's not right
23 upvotes
cool_addison53
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Elijah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
19 upvotes
Thomas E.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Miami about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Jack
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in South area are tough. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Riley
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Piper W.
been saying this for years
7 upvotes
Chloe Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.