Random thought, Median household income is $64,985, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $193,100, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $943 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
8 upvotes
9 Replies
nola_lillian
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Austin about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Mia Chavez
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
local_rylee40
yeah no that's not right
27 upvotes
Madelyn Cox
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
24 upvotes
Cooper Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 7 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. government 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
true_brielle73
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
isabelle_dude
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Anthony O.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Leah Peterson
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
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