Curious what people think. Homes are going for about $407,600 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 45,237 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
30 upvotes
11 Replies
chicagonative2023
great question, following
30 upvotes
Dominic Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Atlanta about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Mason Rivera
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
23 upvotes
Nevaeh Harris
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Riverside area are decent. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Ethan Watson
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Ezekiel R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Carson Walker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Nora C.
I've lived in North for about 1 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 Tampa, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Hailey Sanders
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Lucy Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Springfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Liam
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 35, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
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