Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and Rent is about $872/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $319,300 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Theodore Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene 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.
31 upvotes
Nova Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 34, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Springfield and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
27 upvotes
jose_guy
this is the way
25 upvotes
tampagirl2023
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Nova P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Clara King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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