Hey everyone, Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Michael Adams
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Alexander Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Isabella Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 58, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. solid 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Austin Murphy
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
25 upvotes
Natalie Garcia
spot on
19 upvotes
sunny_aaron48
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Mia Flores
Came here for work and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The dating scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Andrew Martinez
I've lived in Greenfield for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- The safety scene is average
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Leo White
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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