Longtime lurker here, I relocated for work and Homes are going for about $458,000 on average. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Worth the trade-offs? The weather takes some getting used to.
3 upvotes
8 Replies
Declan Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 53, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
36 upvotes
Kevin R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in retail. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Ellie
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
32 upvotes
oaklandwalker2024
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Springfield area are excellent. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Ezekiel Green
big facts right here
28 upvotes
jaxsoul2023
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
miamirunner2022
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
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