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stlmama2021
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Freelancing from Springfield -experience?
Been meaning to ask this. Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Claire W.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Olivia King
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Aurora Green
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Xavier Lewis
I'm a nurse and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Lydia James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Andrew Morales
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Daniel Clark
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
John B.
hmm interesting perspective
21 upvotes
Genesis Wilson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Autumn
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Julia B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Michael Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Julian Thompson
spot on
7 upvotes
Elijah Ruiz
great question, following
3 upvotes
Clara Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality 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 lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are underrated. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality 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 lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are underrated. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes