OK so We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 18,324 people. With a population of 18,324, Bayshore Gardens is a small town. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Gabriella Gomez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Chicago it's better than expected.
39 upvotes
Greyson Gray
I'm a chef and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Sadie
this is the way
38 upvotes
Addison
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
34 upvotes
Camila Morris
I work in retail here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is average. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Kaylee Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 37, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in West and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
32 upvotes
Kaylee
I'm a pharmacist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Vivian C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 14 years. Moved from Dallas for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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 excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
jordan_local
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
30 upvotes
Maya Anderson
I work in healthcare here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is underrated. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Elijah W.
Saving this thread
13 upvotes
Willow
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Wesley Wright
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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