Longtime lurker here, Just moved here 5 months ago and Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $128,100, which is actually reasonable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Gabriel Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 50, moved here 7 years ago from Austin. I've lived in South and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Austin, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
Jacob D.
underrated comment
30 upvotes
Ronald T.
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
20 upvotes
lake_emilia15
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Boston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
All Countries
