So, I've been here for 11 years and The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $78,409 in Smyrna. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
21 upvotes
4 Replies
Emmett Chavez
as a local I can confirm
29 upvotes
Katherine Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Everett Wright
haha yep pretty much
16 upvotes
Jayden Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.