I'm a 54-year-old graphic designer and Rent is about $1,939/month for a decent place. Median household income is $137,511, which feels pretty solid for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation? The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
56 upvotes
5 Replies
Charlotte Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 12 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Isaac Smith
100%
15 upvotes
Olivia R.
+1
15 upvotes
Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 42, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
13 upvotes
Paisley R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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