Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 9 months ago and Homes are going for about $110,600 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,007 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Ezekiel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 26, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - 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 safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
35 upvotes
Carter M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.