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.
Located in the state of Illinois, Springfield is a moderately-sized city with a population of 115,075 inhabitants. The majority of Springfield residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Springfield, only 47% of the population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Springfield. With an average one way commute time of only 18 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Springfield, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Springfield and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Springfield has a livability score of 79 out of 100 and is ranked #73 in Illinois and #1,414 in the USA. This is a great score, as Springfield ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Springfield ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Springfield ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). Springfield does not rank well for the following: crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Living in Springfield offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Springfield provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and Dana-Thomas House.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Springfield market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
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. Median real estate prices in Springfield come in at $131,300, which is 24.9% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Springfield, the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 20% 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% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Check out the 10 safest cities in Illinois
Safest States In The US
Most Dangerous Cities In The US