I'm retired and Rent is about $1,704/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 17,386 people. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Jacob C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Harper Diaz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Easton E.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much developing but now it's excellent.
33 upvotes
Eliana Wright
good to know, thanks
28 upvotes
denvergirl2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 51, moved here 7 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
23 upvotes
Carolyn C.
Moved here from LA about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to housing market but Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Arthur C.
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
14 upvotes
Isabelle R.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much manageable but now it's excellent.
14 upvotes
James Howard
I've lived in Springfield for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Ella Ross
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Hailey Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (East) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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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