So, Been living here since 2023. You can expect to pay around $1,663 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 41,476 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Ella
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 6 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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:**
tech is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Uptown schools are hit or miss. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, 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.
39 upvotes
Ian Patel
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
35 upvotes
Genesis J.
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Everett Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 2 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
matthew_lover
couldn't agree more
30 upvotes
Savannah Gutierrez
good to know, thanks
27 upvotes
Hunter P.
accurate
27 upvotes
Avery
couldn't agree more
23 upvotes
Quinn P.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Dominic Lopez
underrated comment
21 upvotes
fresnolover2022
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Asian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
18 upvotes
Thomas C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Fairview and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
15 upvotes
Declan Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 28, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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.
All Countries
