So, I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $1,649 for rent here. Poverty rate is 16.9%, which is higher than I expected. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
9 Replies
Victoria Brooks
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
37 upvotes
Clara Nelson
+1
30 upvotes
Willow Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Tampa about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Audrey B.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Alexis R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Houston 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 excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in tech. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Natalie M.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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