Random thought, Rent is about $839/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Lillian
seconding this
28 upvotes
Robert Wilson
yeah no that's not right
28 upvotes
Jose W.
nah I disagree
21 upvotes
Madeline A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Aubrey
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Landon Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Naomi M.
I've lived in Old Town for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
