Hey folks, The suburbs are where most families end up. Has anyone dealt with this?
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Austin Gonzalez
I've lived in South for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Ethan M.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The safety is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Thomas Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 4 years. Moved from Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 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:**
consulting is strong here. education 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches 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 hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Olivia F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
24 upvotes
William
bump
18 upvotes
Brooks Robinson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is decent in most areas.
9 upvotes
Xavier Young
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Rylee H.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.