I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 53°F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $894/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $894 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks in advance! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
58 upvotes
13 Replies
Joseph Gonzalez
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Oak Park area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Emmett Torres
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 8 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Sarah White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 12 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality 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 surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are challenging. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Leah
I work in manufacturing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is excellent. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Nova Peterson
I work in finance here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is excellent. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Hunter Chavez
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The walkability is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
miamiheart2020
100%
27 upvotes
Amelia King
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
24 upvotes
Eleanor Williams
this is the way
15 upvotes
Zoe Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely solid and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Sunset) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
14 upvotes
Betty S.
facts
12 upvotes
Jackson H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 25, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in Eastside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
12 upvotes
Sophia Kim
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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