Poverty rate is 15.4%, which is higher than I expected. The median home value here is around $119,000, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Worth the trade-offs? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
Nolan S.
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The dating scene is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
kcsoul2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 48, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
18 upvotes
Anna
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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