Hello, Homes are going for about $327,700 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $327,700, which seems about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
24 upvotes
3 Replies
Willie C.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
27 upvotes
Madeline Allen
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
brooks_chef
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 15 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
consulting is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests 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 tough. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.