Curious what people think. My family moved here when I was a kid. Crime rate is something to consider -Beverly sits at 77.2 per 100K. Homes are going for about $159,400 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Any advice would be great.
0 upvotes
5 Replies
Addison 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 7 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. 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:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails 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 solid. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Carter N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 25, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Downtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. average 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 San Diego, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
21 upvotes
Aiden L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood 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. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Eleanor Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in legal. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
maya_walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 1 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Oak Park and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Nashville, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
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