First post here. Just moved here 2 months ago and Median household income is $45,720, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a a small town city with about 10,484 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Hudson Brooks
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Addison Cooper
this is the way
36 upvotes
Adeline
I'm a writer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Asher R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Westside and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Serenity Carter
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
25 upvotes
Kaylee L.
100%
21 upvotes
Carter N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 10 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Springfield schools are solid. 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. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Kai Price
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Cooper R.
exactly what I was thinking
0 upvotes
Maverick Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Austin about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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