We have two kids and It's a a smaller city city with about 26,251 people. With a population of 26,251, Plainview is a smaller city. Rent is about $3,026/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thanks in advance! The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
29 upvotes
12 Replies
Stella Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 6 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking 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 average. 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market 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.
38 upvotes
Weston
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
36 upvotes
Serenity Watson
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Miles L.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Francisco it's excellent.
23 upvotes
raleighguy2021
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Minneapolis it's tough.
14 upvotes
Ezekiel S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Henry
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much wild but now it's underrated.
9 upvotes
Maverick H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
retail is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 underrated. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Elijah Patel
Moved here last year, no regrets.
2 upvotes
Brooks F.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 12 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 Portland, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
Caroline
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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