Curious what people think. I'm originally from Orlando and The median home value here is around $415,500, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 9.7%, which is concerning. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Daniel
Totally agree!
32 upvotes
oakland_arianna
interesting, hadn't considered that
23 upvotes
Kinsley
Totally agree!
22 upvotes
Ryan Brooks
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Easton Gray
hmm interesting perspective
22 upvotes
Nathan Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 10 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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 solid. 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 high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Grace Peterson
couldn't agree more
14 upvotes
Emma James
Bought a house here in 2022 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
11 upvotes
Adrian C.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Highland area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Maverick Kim
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 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Oak Park schools are pretty 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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