OK so You can expect to pay around $668 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What would you do?
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Elijah
I've lived in Springfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Brielle S.
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
31 upvotes
Aiden W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
26 upvotes
Eli Murphy
I'm a accountant and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Lydia Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (South) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
21 upvotes
Aiden Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Jameson Rivera
interesting, hadn't considered that
15 upvotes
Samuel Brooks
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Harper Sanchez
yeah no that's not right
10 upvotes
Connor D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Atlanta for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
native_gabriella15
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Emma Martinez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are solid. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Declan Evans
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Asher Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
2 upvotes
charlotte_kid
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like seafood.
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