Curious what people think. My family moved here when I was a kid. You can expect to pay around $1,313 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Somerset sits at 238.4 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Nathan Foster
I've lived in Springfield for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The nightlife scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
oaklandkid2024
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
3 upvotes
Olivia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 34, moved here 8 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in East and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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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