Random thought, You can expect to pay around $947 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Adrian P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Mia Chavez
lol so true
27 upvotes
Scott P.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The walkability is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Zoe A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Diverse dining options
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. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
22 upvotes
Sebastian Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - 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. The Heights schools are decent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, 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.
20 upvotes
sf_nicholas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Noah R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Piper H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
3 upvotes
Xavier M.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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