I work in government and Median household income is $57,232, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Warrensburg sits at 293.6 per 100K. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I overthinking this? Any help is appreciated. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
4 upvotes
11 Replies
Joshua R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Jeremiah Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 40, moved here 7 years ago from New York. I've lived in Old Town and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. 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.
28 upvotes
Caleb Taylor
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
25 upvotes
Aria Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 51, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. tough 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
24 upvotes
Brielle Sanchez
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Matthew Brooks
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
7 upvotes
Ellie Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 6 years. Moved from Miami for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. 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. Downtown schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Maya Martinez
Moved here from Minneapolis about 9 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Reagan King
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Daniel
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Clara Bennett
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Uptown area are underrated. Kids love it here.