Hey folks, I'm a 50-year-old sales rep and Crime rate is something to consider -Oakton sits at 73.9 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I overthinking this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
26 upvotes
9 Replies
Piper Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 11 years. Moved from Miami for weather. 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 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Aubrey Hernandez
Totally agree!
18 upvotes
Roy R.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
18 upvotes
houston_jordan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Cameron S.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The traffic is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
Gabriel Smith
couldn't agree more
4 upvotes
Janet B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 42, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
4 upvotes
Owen O.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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