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Emilia C. housing

Rent vs buy in Decatur -what makes sense?

Hey, I'm a college student here and Median household income is $59,831, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Decatur sits at 200.6 per 100K. Household incomes average around $59,831 in Decatur. Rent is about $861/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
29 upvotes

3 Replies

Anna Jackson
yep
39 upvotes
Kayden Castillo
I've lived in Springfield for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
- The weather scene is average

The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement

Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Levi Rivera
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.

I've been here 5 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
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