First post here. Median household income is $80,045, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a smaller city city with about 28,128 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
20 upvotes
13 Replies
Bella Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Ella Parker
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
33 upvotes
Nicholas Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from New York about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Luke
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Springfield area are improving. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Jeremiah Brown
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great seafood places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
28 upvotes
Owen T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare 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 underrated - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are average. 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. Limited public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Xavier Mendoza
Bought a house here in 2020 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
26 upvotes
Emma Jimenez
interesting, hadn't considered that
22 upvotes
Wayne J.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
19 upvotes
Caroline Murphy
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Silas Walker
great question, following
9 upvotes
Henry Clark
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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