Curious what people think. I've been here for 17 years and The median home value here is around $140,300, which is actually reasonable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Natalie Kim
not my experience at all
40 upvotes
Piper Robinson
I've lived in Springfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The pet-friendliness scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Doris R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
33 upvotes
Elizabeth Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Denver about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Jayden Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 35, moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
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. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
28 upvotes
John Morris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Nolan Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. South schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Ariana Cox
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Henry Phillips
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
true_peyton88
following this thread
18 upvotes
Autumn Flores
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Cooper Richardson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Colton Gonzalez
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Addison Jones
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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