Not sure if this has been asked before, but It's a a small town city with about 19,336 people. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thoughts? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
8 Replies
Isabella Hall
I've lived in Eastside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Waylon Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 8 years. Moved from Tampa for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests 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 average. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Samuel Taylor
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
John G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 1 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Addison Gutierrez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 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 Dallas, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Matthew
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (West) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
24 upvotes
Madelyn Foster
underrated comment
10 upvotes
William Adams
I've lived in Springfield for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Tampa, 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
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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