I relocated for work and It's a a small town city with about 3,061 people. Worth the trade-offs? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Violet Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 40, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Springfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Atlanta, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Logan Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Owen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
