Hey everyone, Military spouse here. Median household income is $85,964, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 84,349 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Brooklyn Park sits at 368.2 per 100K. Household incomes average around $85,964 in Brooklyn Park. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Growing food scene
- Diverse community
- Lots of new development
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Rising rent prices
- Not enough green space
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
24 upvotes
12 Replies
Valentina Johnson
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in East area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Sadie H.
hmm interesting perspective
39 upvotes
stl_luna
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 15 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 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:**
construction is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 decent. 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Waylon Nelson
+1
28 upvotes
Lucas Rivera
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Aria
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
lake_olivia41
lol so true
22 upvotes
Nicholas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 27, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. tough 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
16 upvotes
Sophia Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 51, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
15 upvotes
cooper_kid
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 26, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. tough 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 Seattle, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
9 upvotes
Silas Bennett
I work in hospitality here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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