Born and raised here. It's a a smaller city city with about 50,821 people. Household incomes average around $63,472 in Enid. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
19 upvotes
6 Replies
Addison R.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
thomas_lover
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
Sophia B.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Mia Flores
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Ian K.
I've lived in Springfield for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The safety scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Josiah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 1 years ago from New York. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.