Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $1,813/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. What would you do? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
David
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 42, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
wild_mia59
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Springfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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
Gianna W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 14 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes 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 excellent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, 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.
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