Hey everyone, I'm retired and TIA! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
Isabelle N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Serenity Walker
I'm a nurse and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Gianna M.
Totally agree!
31 upvotes
Christian R.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Wyatt Sanders
nah I disagree
21 upvotes
Kai Diaz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 2 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Bella A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Carter Bennett
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Leah Kim
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to community vibe but Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Ezra Diaz
haha yep pretty much
3 upvotes
Naomi Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 50, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.