Hi all, My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a small town city with about 6,314 people. Household incomes average around $52,586 in Waupaca. The city has invested a lot in new development. Would love some local perspective.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
ryan_vibes
noted, appreciate it
38 upvotes
Valentina Mendoza
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Violet J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate 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 tough - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are pretty good. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Abigail Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Sharon P.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Aiden A.
glad someone said it
14 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 7 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains 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 excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Bennett K.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to New York it's decent.
9 upvotes
John W.
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Michael
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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