Poverty rate is 4.8%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $329,200 on average. The median home value here is around $329,200, which seems about average. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
9 Replies
Cora
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Alexa Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 13 years. Moved from Boston for school. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Anna Jackson
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Stella M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Sebastian Rivera
been saying this for years
17 upvotes
Austin
Moved here from Houston about 14 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to school system but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Paisley Lewis
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
12 upvotes
nashville_isabelle
Saving this thread
3 upvotes
Ezra Cruz
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much developing but now it's hit or miss.
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