Hey everyone, My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $1,838,800 on average. Would love some local perspective.
13 upvotes
7 Replies
Jacob Wood
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Addison Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Ariana Cruz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 13 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..
33 upvotes
Ellie Wright
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Waylon B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Diego about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes
Aria Y.
it depends on the neighborhood
1 upvotes
Mia M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
All Countries
