Been living here since 2006. Rent is about $2,340/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks in advance! The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
4 upvotes
2 Replies
Elena Cox
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (North) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
36 upvotes
Hailey Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Indian.
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