Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $375,900 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
38 upvotes
10 Replies
Miles M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Charlotte Allen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Aria Martin
following this thread
11 upvotes
real_cameron38
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Salt Lake City it's better than expected.
9 upvotes
Isaiah Smith
as a local I can confirm
8 upvotes
Declan Ramos
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Jeremiah Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are better than expected. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Olivia E.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 11 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Silas
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
2 upvotes
James L.
I've lived in Springfield for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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