What I wish I knew before living in Citrus Springs
OK so Born and raised here. Median household income is $57,477, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $220,300, which is actually reasonable. Crime rate is something to consider -Citrus Springs sits at 510.8 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I overthinking this? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Jessica R.
seconding this
30 upvotes
Joshua Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
22 upvotes
Hudson S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Old Town) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.