OK so You can expect to pay around $965 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Weston A.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Angel Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 31, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. challenging 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Wyatt Walker
Moved here from Dallas about 12 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
wild_violet50
Totally agree!
22 upvotes
Reagan M.
I work in education here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is improving. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Christian Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 37, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Sunset and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Denver, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.