Not sure if this has been asked before, but Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. You can expect to pay around $1,879 for rent here. Poverty rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
Ryan Cook
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
Sarah Martin
Moved here from Portland about 3 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to school system but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Owen Rodriguez
same here
31 upvotes
Jacqueline L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
raised_mateo59
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
Jace Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 44, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Sunset and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
27 upvotes
Allison
Came here for family and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cost of living is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Sophia Gonzalez
great question, following
18 upvotes
Julian Thompson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 7 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Bradley W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Jackson Wright
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
8 upvotes
Hunter Kim
noted, appreciate it
7 upvotes
Isla C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Chicago it's pretty good.
7 upvotes
William S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
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