So, The median home value here is around $340,900, which seems about average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thoughts? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
27 upvotes
18 Replies
Angel Harris
I've lived in The Heights for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Gabriella
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 6 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes 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 average. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Santiago Perez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Julia R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
cincyrunner2022
Moved here from Austin about 5 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to healthcare but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Luke
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Pittsburgh it's decent.
26 upvotes
Abigail Ross
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Denver it's average.
26 upvotes
Lillian
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Willow C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 2 years. Moved from Nashville for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Meadowbrook schools are solid. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Hannah Wilson
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
17 upvotes
Eliana King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Chicago about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Matthew
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is decent in most areas.
14 upvotes
Dylan Torres
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much manageable but now it's pretty good.
12 upvotes
Daniel Patel
interesting, hadn't considered that
7 upvotes
Jack Foster
Used to live on the East side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
4 upvotes
Austin Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 45, moved here 2 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. solid 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
1 upvotes
Kaylee T.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great BBQ places. it exceeded my expectations.
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