Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a small town city with about 2,308 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thoughts? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
4 upvotes
7 Replies
Skylar Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 56, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Baltimore, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
27 upvotes
Luca Martin
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
27 upvotes
Ezekiel Harris
I've lived in Midtown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Eva Jimenez
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Landon Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
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