Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a small town city with about 1,110 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. TIA! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
6 Replies
Jonathan
hmm interesting perspective
26 upvotes
Alice Chavez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Baltimore it's average.
25 upvotes
Hunter R.
I've lived in Springfield for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The healthcare scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
cool_benjamin70
+1
16 upvotes
Natalie M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 47, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. average 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
12 upvotes
Oliver Green
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.