Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 4.5%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I overthinking this? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Russell C.
I work in engineering here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is decent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
roman_mama
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
35 upvotes
Luna
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Owen Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Julian White
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Atlanta it's surprisingly good.
16 upvotes
Ellie Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in East and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
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. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
Caroline Williams
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 Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same 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. 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains 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. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Elizabeth M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Dylan Miller
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Ezekiel Gonzalez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
12 upvotes
Amber R.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
8 upvotes
Eleanor Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Danielle R.
Came here for retirement and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The food scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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