Been living here since 2011. Rent is about $2,643/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $123,691 in Springfield. Homes are going for about $622,200 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 30,894 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
23 upvotes
3 Replies
Jameson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 53, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
16 upvotes
Laura R.
I work in construction here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Noah Campbell
I've lived in South for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
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