Alright, I'm retired and Homes are going for about $630,200 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,467 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks!
7 upvotes
11 Replies
Skylar Collins
yep
37 upvotes
Roman Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 53, moved here 8 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
33 upvotes
Everett Martin
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
Alexa Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Mia W.
great question, following
24 upvotes
Joseph Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
born_emily79
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Springfield area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Autumn Brown
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Charlotte it's excellent.
4 upvotes
Isla Phillips
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
3 upvotes
Kinsley Brooks
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in North area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Sophie Moore
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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