Hey folks, Been living here since 2018. You can expect to pay around $1,182 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
15 upvotes
13 Replies
Waylon Jackson
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
35 upvotes
Paisley
I've lived in Springfield for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Thomas Ramirez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Adam R.
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
24 upvotes
Parker B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
23 upvotes
Amelia P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Clara Baker
it depends on the neighborhood
21 upvotes
Emilia W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
caroline_girl
facts
7 upvotes
Adrian Young
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
7 upvotes
Easton
exactly what I was thinking
6 upvotes
Harper
been saying this for years
4 upvotes
Lydia Miller
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..