Hey, My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $499,100 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned? TIA! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
21 upvotes
7 Replies
Evelyn L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
John J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 7 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**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 affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Mason
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Sophie Rogers
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
houstonwalker2023
Saving this thread
4 upvotes
Skylar
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
1 upvotes
matthew_lover
I've lived in Springfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
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