We have two kids and Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Hunter H.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Korean places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
33 upvotes
Waylon Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 14 years. Moved from Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Riverside schools are excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Brielle Carter
same here
31 upvotes
Jordan Adams
interesting, hadn't considered that
26 upvotes
Paisley
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Nolan Campbell
I've lived in Springfield for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The cultural scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Colton Hill
I've lived in Springfield for about 9 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 Raleigh, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Eliana
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 9 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Oak Park 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. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
cool_autumn83
+1
16 upvotes
phoenixheart2025
hmm interesting perspective
8 upvotes
Leo Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Wyatt Roberts
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Highland area are tough. Kids love it here.
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