I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 5.8%, which is about average. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a small town city with about 12,080 people. Median household income is $108,203, which feels pretty solid for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Thanks! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
7 upvotes
11 Replies
Dylan Nelson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Scarlett G.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
alexander_vibes
I've lived in Eastside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Weston Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Russell P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 27, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
25 upvotes
Stella Thompson
I've lived in Uptown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The nightlife scene is average
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
Bought a house here in 2020 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
22 upvotes
Alexander Morales
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Judy P.
underrated comment
12 upvotes
Harper Bailey
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
11 upvotes
Bennett Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 5 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Springfield 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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