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Jose Thomas living

Why I chose Plano over bigger cities

Anyone else feel this way? We have two kids and The median home value here is around $221,100, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I wrong here? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes

5 Replies

Jack C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
35 upvotes
living_weston61
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Greenfield for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Greenfield schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And cultural scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Harper Gray
underrated comment
26 upvotes
Logan R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.

I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. 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 decent.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Benjamin G.
Totally agree!
20 upvotes
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