Anyone else feel this way? My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $998/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
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Ruby T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 46, moved here 3 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Austin, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.