Random thought, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. It's a a small town city with about 14,607 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
Jameson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Riverside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
9 upvotes
emmett_chef
I've lived in Springfield for about 6 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 Chicago, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Hazel Thomas
I'm a social worker and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
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