It's a a small town city with about 19,577 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Any advice would be great. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Thomas
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
37 upvotes
James Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
36 upvotes
Delilah Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Autumn W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Jose Taylor
100%
31 upvotes
Jace Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 1 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are excellent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Liam Martin
facts
19 upvotes
Eugene S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 39, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
11 upvotes
Matthew L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
grayson_dude
preach
7 upvotes
Jameson Stewart
great question, following
5 upvotes
Landon Chavez
Moved here from San Francisco about 3 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to food scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Marie B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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