Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $69,443 in Redding. Crime rate is something to consider -Redding sits at 667.2 per 100K. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Joseph Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 14 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are challenging. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Michael Ramirez
following this thread
29 upvotes
Ethan Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 12 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Ryan C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
clara_rider
literally same
19 upvotes
Piper
I work in finance here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is excellent. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Isaiah Sanchez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
15 upvotes
Connor Jackson
Moved here from Dallas about 9 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to walkability but Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Amelia Morgan
lol so true
6 upvotes
Landon Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Seattle about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Alice
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 25, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. pretty good 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
4 upvotes
Xavier Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Charlotte about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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