So, I'm retired and Rent is about $1,269/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $186,800 on average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Carol E.
Used to live on the South side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
37 upvotes
Eli Mitchell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established 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 better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Aria Cruz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Alexa
exactly what I was thinking
13 upvotes
Julian Edwards
+1
9 upvotes
Kayden Cox
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Kai Lee
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.