Hello, I relocated for work and With a population of 11,086, Abbeville is a small town. Homes are going for about $99,900 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any advice would be great. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
happy_katherine94
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
39 upvotes
Elena M.
interesting, hadn't considered that
35 upvotes
Joshua Howard
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great craft beer places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
19 upvotes
Camila G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Eastside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
12 upvotes
Jack Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 52, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Lakewood and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
5 upvotes
Everly M.
thanks for sharing
5 upvotes
Ezekiel Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Springfield schools are solid. 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 pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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