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Delilah A. living

What I wish I knew before living in Springfield

Military spouse here. Median household income is $45,984, which feels on the lower side for the area. Household incomes average around $45,984 in Springfield. Average temperature is around 56°F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a mid-size city city with about 169K people. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good.

Pros:
- Good schools
- Lots of new development
- Strong sense of community

Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- Not very walkable
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Homelessness issues downtown
Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
8 upvotes

3 Replies

Wesley
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Gabriel Ward
Moved here last year, no regrets.
32 upvotes
Aubrey Peterson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
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