Hello, Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Does this match your experience? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
16 upvotes
26 Replies
Miles Mendoza
Moved here from Minneapolis about 15 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to housing market but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Connor D.
lol so true
34 upvotes
minneapolis_benjamin
I'm a electrician and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Nicholas Gutierrez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is underrated in most areas.
32 upvotes
Maria M.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
31 upvotes
Carol A.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Phoenix it's underrated.
29 upvotes
Gary J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to San Diego it's average.
27 upvotes
Josiah Sanders
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Evan Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 3 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
john_girl
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Lillian Turner
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Levi King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. 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. South 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Stella F.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Carson Chavez
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Meadowbrook area are improving. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Roman Anderson
exactly what I was thinking
13 upvotes
tampa_audrey
This.
12 upvotes
Emmett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 6 years. Moved from Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. construction 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Winters are long and cold. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Matthew Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 27, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Olivia
I've lived in Westside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is average
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Autumn Parker
This.
9 upvotes
Aubrey Phillips
literally same
7 upvotes
Ruby T.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Hudson
I'm a lawyer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
4 upvotes
Jack G.
I'm a contractor and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Isabelle
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 14 years. Moved from Boston for weather. 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 a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. South 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Logan Carter
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
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