I'm retired and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 13.3%, which is around average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
25 upvotes
5 Replies
Rylee Castillo
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Indian places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
39 upvotes
aurora_chef
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
37 upvotes
Ellie Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Colton James
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Sophia B.
I've lived in Springfield for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
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