First post here. Am I overthinking this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Levi C.
I've lived in Old Town for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The weather scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Aiden S.
I've lived in Midtown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The walkability scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Caleb Baker
same here
30 upvotes
Mackenzie Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 53, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. hit or miss 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
28 upvotes
Aaron
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Levi Campbell
This.
23 upvotes
Sadie Wilson
I work in marketing here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is challenging. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Scott W.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much stable but now it's surprisingly good.
20 upvotes
Landon King
preach
18 upvotes
Cooper Thomas
bump
15 upvotes
Savannah Mendoza
I've lived in Midtown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Lori Y.
I've lived in Midtown for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Logan Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 7 years. Moved from San Francisco 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 down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Jaxon Ross
lol so true
5 upvotes
cora_dude
Bought a house here in 2017 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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