Been meaning to ask this. I relocated for work and Homes are going for about $264,000 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Does this match your experience?
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Ezekiel F.
not my experience at all
22 upvotes
happy_david33
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 6 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
education is strong here. real estate 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Harold J.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Adam Taylor
I've lived in Springfield for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
miami_emma
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 4 years. Moved from Seattle for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Jeffrey F.
Moved here from Chicago about 5 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to healthcare but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
minneapoliswalker2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 33, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Sunset and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
13 upvotes
Declan Jimenez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
13 upvotes
urban_matthew37
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Addison Howard
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Evan Diaz
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
11 upvotes
Olivia
Came here for family and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor recreation is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Daniel
Saving this thread
9 upvotes
Kai Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 31, moved here 1 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Highland and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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