Hi all, My partner and I are Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $1,111 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Anyone in a similar situation?
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Bella Gutierrez
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Meadowbrook area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Cora M.
I've lived in Sunset for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Arianna Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 57, moved here 4 years ago from LA. I've lived in West and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Strong sense of community
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. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
30 upvotes
Katherine Kelly
not my experience at all
29 upvotes
Noah Bailey
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Julian H.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
21 upvotes
Sophie Rivera
big facts right here
18 upvotes
Jose Taylor
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Silas Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
16 upvotes
Emma Roberts
it depends on the neighborhood
15 upvotes
Madeline
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 Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests 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 average. 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 public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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