I'm a remote worker and With a population of 13,508, University Heights is a small town. It's a a small town city with about 13,508 people. Homes are going for about $224,900 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Diverse community
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited public transit
- Poor road conditions
- Far from major airports
Am I overthinking this? The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
12 Replies
Alexander Hughes
100%
37 upvotes
Angel Wilson
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
32 upvotes
Serenity J.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Lakewood area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Eli 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 3 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts 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 pretty good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Kayden R.
Bought a house here in 2022 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
25 upvotes
born_emily79
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
25 upvotes
Adrian Flores
not my experience at all
23 upvotes
Avery J.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
16 upvotes
Matthew Allen
Bought a house here in 2023 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
14 upvotes
Aurora Brown
facts
14 upvotes
Jackson
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor recreation is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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