Not sure if this has been asked before, but We have two kids and Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Savannah Morales
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Joseph T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 2 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Downtown 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
lake_elena9
I've lived in Springfield for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Ian Torres
hard disagree but ok
37 upvotes
Willow Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Isaac C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Audrey Lewis
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
22 upvotes
omaha_aurora
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Joshua A.
as a local I can confirm
22 upvotes
Leah Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Kayden Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely underrated and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (East) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
12 upvotes
Paisley Phillips
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
10 upvotes
Julia Torres
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
William Gomez
I work in construction here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is tough. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Santiago Ortiz
I've lived in Fairview for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
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