First post here. Just moved here 14 months ago and Homes are going for about $208,000 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Jasper sits at 810.9 per 100K. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts?
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Adeline Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 13 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails 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 decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
noah_lover
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in South area are improving. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Santiago Ramirez
accurate
37 upvotes
Jonathan Ramos
bump
32 upvotes
Dominic
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
21 upvotes
seattle_alice
yep
20 upvotes
Matthew Price
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
17 upvotes
Alexander D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 12 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are hit or miss. 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 traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Catherine S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Julia Campbell
Moved here from Chicago about 7 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to cost of living but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Angela C.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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