Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Rent is about $1,743/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
born_rylee41
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Nicholas C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 4 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are pretty good. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Audrey Brown
preach
33 upvotes
Ian Nelson
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Kayden Davis
underrated comment
29 upvotes
Camila B.
I work in education here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is excellent. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
lake_emilia15
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The healthcare is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Skylar Brooks
I've lived in Highland for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The nightlife scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Emilia E.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Joseph G.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The walkability is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Joseph B.
Came here for weather and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The public transit is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Waylon Gonzalez
not my experience at all
6 upvotes
Colton Ruiz
I've lived in Uptown for about 12 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 Austin, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Natalie N.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
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