Not sure if this has been asked before, but Homes are going for about $209,100 on average. Median household income is $38,269, which feels on the lower side for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Let me know your thoughts. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Jayden Anderson
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Lisa F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
minneapolis_asher
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 30, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Westside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
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. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
29 upvotes
Angel M.
thanks for sharing
26 upvotes
Maya Wilson
This.
25 upvotes
Declan M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Jeremiah Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
19 upvotes
Violet Robinson
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
Ezekiel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 5 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Leonardo Long
Moved here last year, no regrets.
12 upvotes
Ronald M.
I've lived in North for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
All Countries
