Anyone else feel this way? The median home value here is around $198,300, which is actually reasonable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What do you all think? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Skylar Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 1 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 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:**
tech is strong here. engineering 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 challenging - 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. Meadowbrook schools are average. 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Emilia
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Jack Turner
lol so true
22 upvotes
Chloe Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Julia Green
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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