Hey folks, Rent is about $2,267/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Has anyone dealt with this? Cheers. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
21 upvotes
2 Replies
Everly Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 35, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
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. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
37 upvotes
Ezra Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 26, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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