My partner and I are Median household income is $71,675, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
26 upvotes
3 Replies
Theodore Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 36, moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 San Francisco, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
24 upvotes
Julian C.
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 Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Nolan G.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Lakewood area are improving. Kids love it here.
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