I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a smaller city city with about 37,953 people. Homes are going for about $440,900 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up.
30 upvotes
18 Replies
Addison S.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor recreation is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Josiah Morgan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Jonathan Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 24, moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
28 upvotes
Edward L.
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Zoe Bennett
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The food scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Paisley
lol so true
27 upvotes
Levi Cruz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is average in most areas.
26 upvotes
Barbara K.
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
Kinsley Reed
I've lived in Westside for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The weather scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Jaxon P.
accurate
19 upvotes
amelia_mama
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Emmett Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 15 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. 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 a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests 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 challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Quinn Lopez
big facts right here
13 upvotes
Nolan C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramirez
wish I knew this sooner
7 upvotes
Adam Adams
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
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