Curious what people think. I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $1,049 for rent here. Rent is about $1,049/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 60°F, so the weather is moderate. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
Pros:
- Growing food scene
- Low crime in most areas
- Low taxes
- Walkable downtown
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited dining options
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Far from major airports
- Chain restaurants dominate
What would you do? TIA! Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up.
30 upvotes
7 Replies
John Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Benjamin L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Daniel J.
hmm interesting perspective
21 upvotes
cool_maya82
nah I disagree
20 upvotes
Eva Parker
Moved here from Minneapolis about 1 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to housing market but No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
Anna Rivera
exactly what I was thinking
6 upvotes
Lillian C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 3 years. Moved from Tampa for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Old Town 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. Property taxes are high. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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