Hi all, My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a smaller city city with about 40,278 people. You can expect to pay around $1,994 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks in advance!
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Bella Watson
Saving this thread
32 upvotes
Michael R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
32 upvotes
Olivia Ramirez
it depends on the neighborhood
32 upvotes
Hudson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 13 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education 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 improving - we have state parks 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Peyton Lopez
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Ezekiel
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Aria Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Midtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
9 upvotes
Nora
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Westside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
8 upvotes
Ethan M.
facts
4 upvotes
Cameron Clark
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
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