Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $168,600 on average. Rent is about $956/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thoughts? Any help is appreciated. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
9 Replies
Mia
Moved here from Chicago about 15 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to housing market but Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Matthew N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Diego about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Mia
spot on
21 upvotes
Evelyn Richardson
big facts right here
21 upvotes
santiago_walker
same here
19 upvotes
Roman Cooper
big facts right here
7 upvotes
Evan Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 50, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Melanie Phillips
nah I disagree
4 upvotes
Madelyn Peterson
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it was the best decision I ever made.
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