Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 5.1%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 23.8%, which is higher than I expected. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
4 upvotes
9 Replies
nyc_josiah
nah I disagree
35 upvotes
Natalie D.
I work in healthcare here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is challenging. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Liam
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Aubrey Wilson
Bought a house here in 2016 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Roman Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Violet Cook
I've lived in Springfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Hudson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Sunset. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Eva Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are underrated. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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