Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -Franklin Lakes sits at 45.0 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Benjamin Carter
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Reagan Taylor
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in West area are challenging. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Natalie H.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The walkability is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Nora
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Ryan White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 10 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Charlotte Flores
100%
20 upvotes
Mateo Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Gianna W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Angel K.
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Zoey H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Serenity R.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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