Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. Median household income is $83,975, which feels pretty solid for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? Thanks!
24 upvotes
15 Replies
Connor Long
I've lived in Midtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Ellie Castillo
This.
40 upvotes
John Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 11 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Springfield schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Carson Chavez
I'm a nurse and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Audrey
I'm a accountant and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Joshua Lopez
I've lived in West for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Sophia Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Vivian Murphy
I've lived in Westside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Brielle S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Isabella R.
accurate
17 upvotes
Nova H.
accurate
15 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
I'm a social worker 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.
12 upvotes
Jacob T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Elena Edwards
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
1 upvotes
Liam Watson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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