First post here. I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $2,607 for rent here. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $575,700, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Charlotte Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Levi Anderson
I'm a teacher and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Harper Cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
atl_austin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 24, moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Uptown and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
20 upvotes
Austin Foster
I've lived in Springfield for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Madeline Myers
thanks for sharing
13 upvotes
oakland_carson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
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