Hey everyone, You can expect to pay around $1,392 for rent here. Homes are going for about $406,500 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 69,651 people. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
29 upvotes
30 Replies
tucsondude2022
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Hazel R.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
piper_runner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Nora Morgan
I've lived in East for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Weston Perez
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
Nathan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 8 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. 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. Midtown schools are decent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Ella Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 27, moved here 12 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Denver, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
34 upvotes
Landon S.
this is the way
33 upvotes
Hunter
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
32 upvotes
tucson_jose
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is tough in most areas.
31 upvotes
Aaliyah Watson
hmm interesting perspective
29 upvotes
Alexa Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Bella B.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
26 upvotes
Hazel Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Kayden S.
honestly same experience here
24 upvotes
Leo Morales
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Bennett N.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Sunset. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Cameron Thompson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Chicago it's challenging.
14 upvotes
Brian A.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Nova T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Nevaeh Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in retail. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Michael R.
lol so true
12 upvotes
Austin Lewis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (East) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
11 upvotes
Serenity Gray
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Matthew Robinson
not my experience at all
8 upvotes
Roman Murphy
big facts right here
5 upvotes
William Brooks
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
3 upvotes
Peyton Ward
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Springfield area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Jaxon Flores
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it was the best decision I ever made.
1 upvotes
kc_hannah
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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