Hey, We have two kids and It's a a smaller city city with about 32,139 people. Household incomes average around $102,793 in O'Fallon. Crime rate is something to consider -O'Fallon sits at 178.5 per 100K. Poverty rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. TIA! Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
28 upvotes
25 Replies
Miles M.
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
39 upvotes
Rylee Gutierrez
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The community vibe is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Robert L.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Springfield area are average. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Henry Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Eli Reed
preach
30 upvotes
Robert C.
wish I knew this sooner
29 upvotes
Luke Ruiz
I've lived in Downtown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Weston Reyes
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great seafood places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
28 upvotes
Kayden F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 34, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Old Town and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
27 upvotes
Weston Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Dallas about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Anna Reyes
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
24 upvotes
Isabella Baker
big facts right here
22 upvotes
Grace Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely challenging and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
21 upvotes
Everly
I'm a software engineer and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Levi Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Arianna Watson
I work in education here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is better than expected. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Jack Taylor
I work in tech here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Brooks Perez
I've lived in South for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- The school system scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Everett
I work in healthcare here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is challenging. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
aaliyah_life
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Greyson Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 53, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Old Town and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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.
6 upvotes
Axel Smith
Moved here from San Diego about 6 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to housing market but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Kathryn W.
exactly what I was thinking
4 upvotes
waylon_kid
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
0 upvotes
Charlotte Cook
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
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