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Melanie Howard
moving
Is South Laurel worth moving to in 2026?
The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
7 upvotes
16 Replies
Caleb Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. government 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are challenging. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Downtown for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. government 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are challenging. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Luke Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely improving and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
37 upvotes
Adrian
yep
35 upvotes
local_jonathan36
lol so true
32 upvotes
Everett Campbell
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
Cora B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Colton Ramos
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Aiden Scott
I've lived in Springfield for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Stella S.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Sophia Murphy
I work in real estate here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Jose
glad someone said it
10 upvotes
Luca Reyes
not my experience at all
6 upvotes
Matthew T.
Used to live on the East side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
4 upvotes
Noah Phillips
bump
2 upvotes
Andrew Perez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
1 upvotes
Elizabeth T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
0 upvotes