Alright, Homes are going for about $423,800 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Is this normal for Arden Hills? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Sofia Harris
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Eliana
+1
25 upvotes
Kaylee Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 12 years. Moved from Charlotte for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking 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 underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Summers can be brutally hot. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Madelyn
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Leonardo W.
great question, following
22 upvotes
Evelyn
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
15 upvotes
William
Bought a house here in 2024 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
8 upvotes
Madison C.
nah I disagree
7 upvotes
Maya
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it exceeded my expectations.
5 upvotes
born_charlotte26
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Minneapolis about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Axel M.
hard disagree but ok
3 upvotes
Aaliyah C.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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