First post here. I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 5,211 people. Median household income is $78,057, which feels about average for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Jordan L.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
18 upvotes
Madelyn Jimenez
I've lived in Oak Park for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Baltimore, 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
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Quinn J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 1 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. 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. Springfield 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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