Poverty rate is 9.4%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
14 upvotes
8 Replies
Aurora L.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The healthcare is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Emmett Bailey
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
37 upvotes
Joshua Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 47, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
oaklandvibes2025
facts
24 upvotes
Kevin A.
100%
24 upvotes
Ryan Foster
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Parker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 1 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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 excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Santiago Hall
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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