Hey everyone, My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
Sadie Edwards
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Declan Chavez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Zoe Wright
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Springfield area are excellent. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Ruby Lopez
I'm a HR manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Zoey Gonzalez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is decent in most areas.
37 upvotes
Mateo C.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
35 upvotes
Bella
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
30 upvotes
Alice Gonzalez
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
24 upvotes
jacob_girl
seconding this
17 upvotes
Alice Martinez
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Matthew Patel
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.
6 upvotes
Grace Turner
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
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