Longtime lurker here, My partner and I are Poverty rate is 6.3%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Should I be concerned?
16 upvotes
25 Replies
Evan T.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The healthcare is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Alexander Gray
accurate
40 upvotes
Mackenzie
This.
38 upvotes
Lydia C.
same here
36 upvotes
Eli R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Lauren E.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
orlandopapa2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Sebastian Ward
as a local I can confirm
31 upvotes
Isabella Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Lucas Lopez
as a local I can confirm
25 upvotes
hannah_runner
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Eastside area are average. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Roman Ortiz
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The public transit is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
living_savannah13
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Hazel
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. 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 weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Eva Green
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited entertainment 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.
16 upvotes
Victoria Gonzalez
I've lived in Highland for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. 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 healthcare scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Roman C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
15 upvotes
Jace Cooper
100%
15 upvotes
Quinn
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
15 upvotes
Leonardo Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Midtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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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