OK so I work in government and The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
21 Replies
Jaxon Flores
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
coastal_sarah31
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (North) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
39 upvotes
Anna H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Riverside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
36 upvotes
Ethan Lee
great question, following
34 upvotes
Clara A.
hmm interesting perspective
33 upvotes
Eli Miller
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 15 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Cedar Grove schools are average. 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 cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Waylon Cox
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Riverside area are average. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Nolan H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Henry Reed
+1
31 upvotes
Ezekiel Flores
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Thai places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
31 upvotes
Hunter Torres
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Cedar Grove area are tough. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Brooks Ortiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Charles N.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Ellie Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Sadie
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Rebecca W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 12 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 better than expected. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Joshua
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Chloe
interesting, hadn't considered that
10 upvotes
Sophie M.
Moved here from Raleigh about 7 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to walkability but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Chloe Peterson
noted, appreciate it
5 upvotes
Ellie Perez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
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