I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Rent is about $945/month for a decent place. With a population of 114K, Springfield is a mid-size city. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation?
39 upvotes
3 Replies
Audrey Bailey
seconding this
25 upvotes
Caroline Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 9 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are improving. 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. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Sarah Chavez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Portland about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..