Military spouse here. The median home value here is around $197,600, which is actually reasonable. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts.
24 upvotes
8 Replies
Adam Gomez
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much growing but now it's surprisingly good.
29 upvotes
melanie_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 58, moved here 1 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Matthew M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Harold C.
Came here for work and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The walkability is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Bella Howard
nah I disagree
14 upvotes
Logan B.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
John J.
I'm a teacher and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
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