Homes are going for about $481,300 on average. It's a a small town city with about 19,235 people. Median household income is $81,492, which feels pretty solid for the area. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
oakland_nevaeh
I've lived in Westside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Maverick Watson
glad someone said it
27 upvotes
Lydia Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 42, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
25 upvotes
Jordan Castillo
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
houston_noah
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Aria G.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Harper Carter
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
15 upvotes
Serenity Brown
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Boston it's surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
Naomi Lopez
thanks for sharing
4 upvotes
Leonardo Anderson
same here
3 upvotes
Emma
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
1 upvotes
miami_lillian
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 Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails 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 improving. 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. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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