Longtime lurker here, People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Would love some local perspective. Appreciate any input.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
violet_native
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Kelly T.
spot on
35 upvotes
Adeline Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Nashville about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment 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, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Brooklyn M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 30, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
34 upvotes
Wesley T.
accurate
32 upvotes
Lillian Ramirez
I work in education here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is improving. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
milwaukeevibes2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 5 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Greenfield schools are better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Sebastian Foster
literally same
23 upvotes
Anna Carter
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. construction 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Connor W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 8 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Piper Torres
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Miami about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Isabella Myers
Moved here from Tampa about 3 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to safety but Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Kennedy Roberts
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Jose
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Lisa C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 1 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 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:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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