Longtime lurker here, I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $102,500, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Ellie H.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Eli Cruz
spot on
35 upvotes
Silas Green
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Mia Taylor
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
Leo
interesting, hadn't considered that
31 upvotes
Naomi Allen
good to know, thanks
31 upvotes
Benjamin L.
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
28 upvotes
Ezekiel G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 42, moved here 1 years ago from New York. I've lived in Downtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. solid 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
26 upvotes
lillian_walker
big facts right here
23 upvotes
Aaliyah Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 8 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts 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 improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Autumn Rivera
hmm interesting perspective
12 upvotes
Mateo Carter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Jordan Foster
bump
5 upvotes
Isabella Anderson
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Oak Park area are challenging. Kids love it here.
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