Been meaning to ask this. My partner and I are Rent is about $1,047/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
42 upvotes
25 Replies
Nevaeh Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 1 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are pretty good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Linda R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Francisco about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Emmett Bailey
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Westside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
mountain_sarah97
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 2 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Rylee
literally same
35 upvotes
Ezekiel Howard
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
34 upvotes
Aiden Robinson
Moved here from Chicago about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to dating scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Victoria R.
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Dylan Wilson
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Victoria R.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
Savannah Roberts
couldn't agree more
23 upvotes
Audrey H.
glad someone said it
21 upvotes
Michael
exactly what I was thinking
20 upvotes
Nicholas Roberts
facts
19 upvotes
Jameson Rivera
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Chicago it's excellent.
16 upvotes
Jordan G.
thanks for sharing
14 upvotes
Maverick Ortiz
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Isaiah M.
bump
12 upvotes
Sofia Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are tough. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Scarlett P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
Connor R.
literally same
7 upvotes
Vivian B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Roger M.
been saying this for years
4 upvotes
Serenity Cooper
Bought a house here in 2019 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
3 upvotes
Charlotte M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Limited entertainment options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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