Poverty rate is 9.2%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Auburn sits at 210.5 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. Has anyone dealt with this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
24 upvotes
14 Replies
Isabella A.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
40 upvotes
Luke Long
I've lived in Springfield for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Landon Cox
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
34 upvotes
Bennett B.
preach
32 upvotes
Roman Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 9 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Cedar Grove 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Claire Jackson
as a local I can confirm
27 upvotes
Roman C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 9 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 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:**
engineering is strong here. engineering 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Uptown 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
tampakid2023
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Ezra S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
15 upvotes
Paisley Lewis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Houston about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Hudson Howard
Moved here last year, no regrets.
9 upvotes
Nora Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely pretty good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
8 upvotes
Olivia
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mexican places. it exceeded my expectations.
8 upvotes
Alexa
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
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