Hey everyone, The median home value here is around $184,600, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
Rylee C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 44, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Greenfield and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good airport with direct flights
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
35 upvotes
Peyton H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is decent in most areas.
31 upvotes
Lydia James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks 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 pretty good. 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. Property taxes are high. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Elena
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.