Just moved here 9 months ago and Rent is about $1,975/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,975 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I wrong here? The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to.
36 upvotes
3 Replies
Brielle T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 45, moved here 15 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Springfield and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
40 upvotes
Victoria Anderson
I'm a accountant and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Jack K.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
All Countries
