Hey everyone, I'm retired and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,290 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Has anyone dealt with this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
5 upvotes
16 Replies
Hailey Morgan
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
39 upvotes
Addison
I've lived in Highland for about 12 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 Chicago, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The traffic scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Carson Roberts
Used to live on the North side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
35 upvotes
Grace Allen
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Avery Davis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 6 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Hazel R.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Alexa
I've lived in Springfield for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The safety scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Aiden Smith
same here
16 upvotes
Benjamin Cook
same here
15 upvotes
Nevaeh James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Evelyn Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 44, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Old Town and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 San Diego, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
15 upvotes
Lily Kelly
lol so true
14 upvotes
philly_eliana
it depends on the neighborhood
6 upvotes
Hailey Murphy
I've lived in Old Town for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
- The weather scene is tough
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Adrian Moore
Came here for retirement and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The walkability is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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