First post here. Just moved here 8 months ago and It's a a smaller city city with about 27,261 people. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Claire Roberts
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Elijah Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 43, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Eastside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
37 upvotes
Landon Jackson
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
Cameron Patel
I've lived in Uptown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cultural scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Everett Johnson
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Springfield area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Natalie Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 12 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Isabelle Johnson
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much wild but now it's hit or miss.
All Countries
