Random thought, Crime rate is something to consider -Scott sits at 137.5 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Serenity Torres
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
logan_walker
I've lived in Springfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The weather scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Kayden Stewart
same here
31 upvotes
Quinn Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
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 solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Amelia Turner
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The traffic is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Miles Gutierrez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Mateo Ruiz
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Lakewood area are tough. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Hudson Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 14 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Chloe F.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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