Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
11 upvotes
4 Replies
Charlotte Roberts
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much pricey but now it's decent.
37 upvotes
charlottepapa2023
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Samuel R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 46, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Uptown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Miami, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
22 upvotes
Piper M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 4 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 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:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Greenfield schools are challenging. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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