First post here. Household incomes average around $59,271 in Riverside. Crime rate is something to consider -Riverside sits at 139.2 per 100K. Rent is about $1,015/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I overthinking this? Cheers. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Jason M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Houston it's pretty good.
38 upvotes
Amelia Wood
lol so true
29 upvotes
Jeremiah W.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The safety is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Logan W.
as a local I can confirm
19 upvotes
Genesis Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 4 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking trails 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Amelia Thompson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Sebastian Castillo
I work in marketing here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
austin_madelyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 33, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
8 upvotes
Nicole J.
lol so true
6 upvotes
Everly
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to San Diego it's challenging.
4 upvotes
Chloe Ward
Totally agree!
3 upvotes
Jameson K.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Baltimore it's surprisingly good.
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