Curious what people think. The unemployment rate is 6.8%, which is concerning. With a population of 54,515, Plainfield is a smaller city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
29 upvotes
12 Replies
Aiden Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Wesley Wright
I've lived in Greenfield for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Nicholas Long
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Ezekiel Parker
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
Elena Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 35, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in East and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 New York, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
23 upvotes
phoenix_melanie
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Atlanta about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Olivia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Raleigh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Quinn Bennett
accurate
11 upvotes
Maverick Lewis
I've lived in Fairview for about 14 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 Chicago, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Charlotte Howard
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The housing market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Allison Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Downtown schools are solid. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes
Silas B.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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