Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a remote worker and It's a a small town city with about 10,200 people. Rent is about $982/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience?
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Noah Nguyen
not my experience at all
40 upvotes
Reagan R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Emma Johnson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
35 upvotes
Adeline Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 1 years. Moved from Phoenix for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains 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 underrated. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
philly_william
preach
23 upvotes
Kaylee T.
good to know, thanks
20 upvotes
Lucy Lewis
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
19 upvotes
Samuel B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 46, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Greenfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. decent 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 Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
18 upvotes
Nathan Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely tough and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
18 upvotes
Jackson Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
15 upvotes
Leah Thompson
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
William Murphy
Moved here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to walkability but Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Emmett Bailey
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to LA it's better than expected.
8 upvotes
Lucas P.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
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