Curious what people think. I work in retail and Household incomes average around $122,648 in Shorewood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What do you all think? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Liam Price
haha yep pretty much
34 upvotes
Thomas James
thanks for sharing
31 upvotes
Bennett M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are surprisingly good. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Claire Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 2 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are better than expected. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Reagan T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 32, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in West and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
19 upvotes
Luca Gutierrez
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Eli M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
6 upvotes
Everly Ruiz
glad someone said it
5 upvotes
Lori B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Seattle it's better than expected.
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