My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $236,900 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,186 for rent here. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 18.7%, which is higher than I expected. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Growing food scene
- Diverse community
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Not very walkable
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Not enough green space
Has anyone dealt with this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Victoria Ward
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Claire Campbell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 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:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts 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 underrated. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Carson G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 9 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Levi Thomas
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Leo Hill
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Meadowbrook area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Ava C.
glad someone said it
33 upvotes
Peyton Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Angel Wilson
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
27 upvotes
Ava Young
great question, following
24 upvotes
Vivian Price
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in East area are excellent. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Violet
I'm a lawyer and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
Natalie Moore
literally same
11 upvotes
Helen W.
honestly same experience here
10 upvotes
Clara White
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (The Heights) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
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