I'm retired and Rent is about $2,462/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 3,688 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Does this match your experience? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
14 upvotes
2 Replies
Cora
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 40, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Springfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Raleigh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
23 upvotes
Kaylee Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 31, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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