Curious what people think. I'm a remote worker and With a population of 7,276, Shields is a small town. The median home value here is around $173,300, which is actually reasonable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Caleb C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Wesley Taylor
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is improving in most areas.
31 upvotes
Brielle Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Jack Murphy
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Maya H.
Used to live on the East side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
25 upvotes
Henry D.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Midtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
19 upvotes
Andrew Ortiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
16 upvotes
Kayden Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Miami about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Olivia E.
following this thread
13 upvotes
Mary W.
Came here for work and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The outdoor recreation is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Everly Flores
yeah no that's not right
6 upvotes
Leonardo Price
hmm interesting perspective
6 upvotes
Zoe Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
All Countries
