Curious what people think. Crime rate is something to consider -Suffern sits at 224.2 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Alexa Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. 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. Springfield schools are challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Sarah F.
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
Madelyn M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
23 upvotes
Addison Ortiz
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Jameson Jones
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Dylan R.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Italian places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
18 upvotes
David Wilson
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
17 upvotes
Ellie Brown
I work in real estate here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is better than expected. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Patrick R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Vivian
bump
10 upvotes
Angel Gonzalez
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
9 upvotes
Jack Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Hudson A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Boston about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..