Longtime lurker here, My family moved here when I was a kid. The median home value here is around $72,600, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $1,049/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
11 upvotes
10 Replies
Skylar Evans
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
37 upvotes
Evelyn W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Michael Phillips
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is average and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Hannah Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Eli Chavez
nah I disagree
20 upvotes
Eric R.
I've lived in Highland for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by community vibe. 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 community vibe scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Joshua W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Elijah J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 53, moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Highland and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 Baltimore, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
13 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
lol so true
4 upvotes
Elena Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
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