Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $1,040,500 on average. The median home value here is around $1,040,500, which is pretty steep. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
14 upvotes
26 Replies
real_ezekiel33
Bought a house here in 2020 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
40 upvotes
Lori P.
good to know, thanks
40 upvotes
Avery
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 6 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Leonardo Ramirez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Kaylee M.
couldn't agree more
35 upvotes
Eva Miller
+1
31 upvotes
Sophie
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Oak Park area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Megan W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
William Murphy
lol so true
27 upvotes
Everett Alvarez
Moved here from San Diego about 13 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Jose Wilson
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 Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Leo C.
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. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
David Gomez
Bought a house here in 2021 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Ruby Morales
I've lived in South for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Maverick Castillo
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Mateo Ramirez
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Adam Cox
same here
14 upvotes
Stella F.
I've lived in Downtown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The housing market scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Silas M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Mia
interesting, hadn't considered that
9 upvotes
Isla L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Kennedy Roberts
This.
6 upvotes
Violet Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 35, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Uptown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
5 upvotes
Emilia Allen
not my experience at all
4 upvotes
Reagan Carter
good to know, thanks
4 upvotes
chicago_emma
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
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