OK so Just moved here 8 months ago and It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development.
81 upvotes
22 Replies
Theodore Ross
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
38 upvotes
Benjamin Stewart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 4 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Noah M.
wish I knew this sooner
34 upvotes
Mackenzie Thompson
I work in marketing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Allison Long
noted, appreciate it
32 upvotes
dc_gianna
hmm interesting perspective
29 upvotes
Caleb Baker
yep
28 upvotes
Luna Anderson
underrated comment
24 upvotes
Lillian Long
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Noah Campbell
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Maple Ridge area are underrated. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Alexa Ramirez
yep
19 upvotes
Nova H.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Oak Park area are tough. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Evelyn Y.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Zoey Thompson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
river_carter89
couldn't agree more
13 upvotes
Bella Rogers
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
13 upvotes
Nora Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 26, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
12 upvotes
Skylar Rivera
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Naomi
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Rylee Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 15 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Sunset schools are surprisingly 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 weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Kayden N.
Totally agree!
3 upvotes
Santiago Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
