Moving from Chicago to Saratoga Springs next month
I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. With a population of 28,542, Saratoga Springs is a smaller city. The median home value here is around $445,100, which is pretty steep. It's a a smaller city city with about 28,542 people. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What do you all think? Thanks for reading.
30 upvotes
3 Replies
Isaiah Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 42, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
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. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. challenging 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 Phoenix, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
31 upvotes
Nathan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 14 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains 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 better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Harper Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
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