I'm a nurse at the local hospital and You can expect to pay around $1,506 for rent here. Poverty rate is 8.3%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
30 upvotes
17 Replies
Aaliyah James
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Cedar Grove area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Anna
accurate
39 upvotes
Aurora Morgan
facts
38 upvotes
Grace Phillips
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Savannah Baker
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Madeline Rogers
interesting, hadn't considered that
34 upvotes
Hazel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Melanie Wood
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Paisley Stewart
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
13 upvotes
Christian J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 58, moved here 10 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Old Town and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
12 upvotes
Carson Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Aiden Gomez
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much pricey but now it's decent.
6 upvotes
emmett_chef
I've lived in Springfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- The walkability scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Helen H.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Brooklyn
I've lived in Greenfield for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- The healthcare scene is average
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
portland_cameron
preach
2 upvotes
Audrey G.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
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