Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $1,451 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 82,264 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
30 upvotes
7 Replies
Emilia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Pine Hills and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
33 upvotes
Lucas Lopez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Julia B.
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 improving and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
27 upvotes
Julian Kelly
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Ezekiel Morales
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Atlanta about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Daniel
seconding this
7 upvotes
Josiah Young
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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