Anyone else feel this way? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Easton Gonzalez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is decent in most areas.
38 upvotes
cincy_ezra
I work in construction here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is excellent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Hudson A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Riverside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Baltimore, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
31 upvotes
nycwalker2024
this is the way
29 upvotes
Emilia C.
following this thread
23 upvotes
Matthew Adams
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
22 upvotes
Jonathan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 1 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains 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 challenging. 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 food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Hannah Howard
spot on
12 upvotes
Mackenzie D.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The housing market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Elizabeth Torres
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
roman_living
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. South schools are hit or miss. 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 high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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