Hey folks, Born and raised here. Median household income is $170,457, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
phoenixlocal2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Everett Evans
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Santiago Parker
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Adrian Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
everett_heart
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
21 upvotes
Liam Thomas
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
19 upvotes
Matthew
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Sophia K.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Valentina M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Mackenzie Lee
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Jayden Peterson
This.
8 upvotes
Roman C.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.