Homes are going for about $252,400 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What do you all think? Thanks for reading. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
29 upvotes
7 Replies
lake_elena9
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Lydia
seconding this
27 upvotes
Virginia M.
I've lived in East for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Jameson Peterson
been saying this for years
15 upvotes
James Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 33, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
15 upvotes
savannah_dude
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 41, moved here 9 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Boston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Rylee Alvarez
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The cost of living is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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