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Jace Turner
moving
Should I move to Bel Air South or stay in Chicago?
Been meaning to ask this. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
20 upvotes
12 Replies
Daniel Gonzalez
preach
37 upvotes
Waylon Cox
I've lived in Riverside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
- The nightlife scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
- The nightlife scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Reagan Wright
wish I knew this sooner
31 upvotes
Paisley M.
spot on
31 upvotes
Maverick Ramos
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
John Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 8 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Springfield 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Springfield for 8 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Springfield 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Jayden Clark
Moved here last year, no regrets.
11 upvotes
Jackson E.
Saving this thread
9 upvotes
Julian Hall
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Nicholas T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 27, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
Background: I'm a accountant, 27, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
8 upvotes
Silas R.
Came here for retirement and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Bobby J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
0 upvotes