I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,059 for rent here. The median home value here is around $236,100, which is actually reasonable. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Am I wrong here?
13 upvotes
8 Replies
Jace Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
sunny_carson60
good to know, thanks
27 upvotes
Austin Jones
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Austin 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 Springfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in tech. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Emma
noted, appreciate it
15 upvotes
Dominic Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 39, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Springfield and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
11 upvotes
Luna Williams
underrated comment
11 upvotes
Jonathan Clark
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Greenfield area are decent. Kids love it here.