Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and It's a a smaller city city with about 37,754 people. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Does this match your experience?
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Lydia Ward
Bought a house here in 2019 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
35 upvotes
Andrew
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 4 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Kai Myers
I've lived in Springfield for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Eliana Chavez
good to know, thanks
32 upvotes
Melanie Sanders
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
ruby_heart
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Jameson Kelly
I work in real estate here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is excellent. Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
lake_natalie79
lol so true
21 upvotes
Lillian Flores
I've lived in Oak Park for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cost of living scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Ryan
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Eva Lee
couldn't agree more
16 upvotes
Kennedy W.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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