Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $2,477 for rent here. Rent is about $2,477/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 59,062 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
19 upvotes
9 Replies
Joshua Ortiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is improving in most areas.
40 upvotes
Luca Mendoza
I work in legal here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is decent. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
atl_julian
I've lived in Springfield for about 1 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 Portland, I was surprised by school system. 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 job market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Scarlett
good to know, thanks
28 upvotes
Violet Cook
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Avery Kim
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Christian Watson
I've lived in North for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Aaron Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 53, moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.