OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
10 Replies
Roman Nguyen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 6 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Ethan Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 58, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Riverside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$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
Santiago
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
nyclover2023
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Paisley F.
I've lived in Springfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Zoey Torres
noted, appreciate it
9 upvotes
Kayden R.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Miles Nelson
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Highland area are solid. Kids love it here.
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