Hey folks, I'm single, late 30s, and Homes are going for about $238,700 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. What are your go-to spots? The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Axel Martinez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Springfield schools are better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 55, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Highland and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cultural scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
35 upvotes
Connor P.
Came here for school and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The dating scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Wyatt Ward
Used to live on the North side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
28 upvotes
Madelyn Wilson
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
Grayson
spot on
23 upvotes
Nora S.
this is the way
23 upvotes
Wesley Sanchez
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Anthony K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Leo Bennett
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Italian places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
9 upvotes
Skylar Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 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:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Robert R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 29, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
6 upvotes
happy_gabriel67
same here
5 upvotes
Luca Mendoza
I work in marketing here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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