Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. TIA!
4 upvotes
11 Replies
Angel S.
as a local I can confirm
34 upvotes
Kathryn W.
haha yep pretty much
27 upvotes
Leonardo Garcia
Came here for retirement and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The job market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Matthew M.
not my experience at all
19 upvotes
Lydia Gray
I'm a contractor and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
sacramentogirl2026
I've lived in Springfield for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Adeline Reyes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Gloria B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Chicago about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
andrew_girl
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
13 upvotes
atllife2023
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 11 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Wyatt N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 40, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.
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