Hey everyone, I'm retired and There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think?
30 upvotes
15 Replies
John Morris
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.
39 upvotes
Allison W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in legal. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Valentina King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 12 years. Moved from Houston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails 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 excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Elijah Cruz
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
33 upvotes
Grace
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
32 upvotes
Silas Nelson
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The safety scene is improving
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Leonardo Hill
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
30 upvotes
Nathan Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 7 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Wesley Davis
noted, appreciate it
20 upvotes
Gabriella E.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to LA it's excellent.
18 upvotes
Cora Moore
I'm a contractor and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Leonardo Reyes
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Hazel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (North) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
8 upvotes
William
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in finance. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Matthew Moore
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.