First post here. Homes are going for about $196,200 on average. Household incomes average around $68,508 in Florence. Rent is about $1,199/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Melanie
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in West area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Mateo Morales
I've lived in The Heights for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
- The job market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Emma Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Jordan F.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are solid. 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. Can feel isolated. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Jacob Collins
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Indian places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
16 upvotes
Skylar Long
hard disagree but ok
10 upvotes
Jonathan M.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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