Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Median household income is $44,531, which feels on the lower side for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Gianna Morales
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
35 upvotes
jace_local
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Isaiah
Bought a house here in 2019 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
27 upvotes
sacramento_greyson
haha yep pretty much
25 upvotes
Asher R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 35, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Springfield and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Seattle, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
23 upvotes
David G.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Daniel Reed
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are decent. 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. Property taxes are high. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Isabelle Walker
Moved here from Dallas about 6 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to school system but Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Bennett S.
wish I knew this sooner
9 upvotes
Clara H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Seattle it's solid.
8 upvotes
Isabella Robinson
this is the way
3 upvotes
Jaxon Allen
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's been a really good experience overall.
2 upvotes
David C.
I work in tech here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is underrated. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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