Springfield, Illinois, known as "The Land of Lincoln," is the state capital and a city rich in history and culture. With its significant historical landmarks, vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of community, Springfield offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes living in Springfield an attractive option.
Residents of Springfield enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, museums, and historic sites provide ample opportunities for exploration and enrichment. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Old State Capitol are popular destinations that celebrate the city's rich history.
Springfield's strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including government, healthcare, and education. As the state capital, Springfield is home to numerous government offices and institutions, providing ample job opportunities for residents. The city's vibrant arts and culture scene is showcased through venues like the Hoogland Center for the Arts and the Illinois State Museum.
The cost of living in Springfield is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Illinois, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Springfield is well-developed, with access to SMTD (Springfield Mass Transit District) buses, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Springfield's climate features four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Springfield offers a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Springfield, Illinois is a moderately-sized city with a population of 117,426 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Springfield is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Springfield is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 47%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Springfield is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Springfield can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Springfield, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, education, employment and more.
Using data and statistics Springfield has received a livability score of 81/100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Springfield would be considered a very livable city! Springfield has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Springfield has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Springfield, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Springfield, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Springfield undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and Dana-Thomas House.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Springfield excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Springfield is real estate affordability. The median home price for Springfield homes is $239,457, which is 22.4% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Springfield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 14.3% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Springfield | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.3% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.0% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.8% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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