Firstly why Springfield, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Springfield
• State: Illinois
• Population: 113107 people
• Springfield’s quick summary would be The state capital, famous for its Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15000 annually
• While this many move-out: 15000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 800
• Number of Homeless people: 1000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital offers government job opportunities attracting professionals

Perk #1: Springfield Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 69%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $53000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Springfield is $55000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Springfield’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2922
• Property Tax %: 2.4%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1000
• Rent for an average house: $1600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown Springfield
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Springfield, Chatham, Jacksonville, Riverton, and probably could include Sherman
• Avg. Age of Homes in Springfield: 66 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Springfield’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Springfield are  Government, Healthcare, and Education
• Springfield Job Scene: stable job market with focus on government and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: government-focused tech scene with initiatives in IT and public services , ,
• Springfield Resident’s pay $1000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Springfield: 8.75%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Springfield

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-55 intersects with I-72 running through Springfield
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Clear Lake Avenue
• Transportation Score: 41 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Springfield: 60000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Springfield: https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Abraham Lincoln Capital

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Springfield’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Springfield is best described as has a temperate climate with hot humid summers cold winters and transitional seasons showcasing beautiful spring blooms and autumn foliage
• Winter Weather in Springfield i’d describe as cold and wet
• Spring Weather in Springfield can be described as cool and rainy
• Summer’s in Springfield are mostly cool with clear skies
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Springfield is usually cool with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in Springfield below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urbanization
• Springfield Winter Air generally acceptable air quality with minor urban impacts

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Springfield Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Springfield 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Springfields’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Sangamon Valley Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Springfield Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Springfield only Doctors is about 80
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Springfield only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Springfield’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Springfield’s Monthly Gym Membership: $37
• Springfield’s Water Quality Score: 73

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Springfield

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital known for its Abraham Lincoln history
• You might enjoy shows at the Sangamon Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Springfield  has a rich nightlife offering bars restaurants and local events celebrating the community’s spirit

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Springfield

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local diners and comfort food options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 35 scattered around Springfield
• The Popular Sports Team is Springfield High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Springfield can be described as state capital with a political climate influenced by state governance
• Springfield’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Christian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Springfield Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Springfield has 40 Parks?
• Washington Park is Springfield’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Springfield Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and historical tours

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Springfield Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Springfield can be described as moderately paced urban area with rich historical context
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Springfield visiting local historical sites attending fairs picnicking
• The Cities people commute to from Springfield are Champaign 93 miles away Decatur 48 miles away Jacksonville 32 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Springfield or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Clear Lake Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Springfield’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown Springfield is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Springfield are Champaign 93 miles away Decatur 48 miles away Jacksonville 32 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Springfield has 22 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Springfield people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1000 homeless people living in Springfield. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general state capital with a political climate influenced by state governance could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Springfield.

Retiree & Senior Life in Springfield

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access financial assistance through tax credits for property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Villas of Holly Brook
• Springfield Senior Center hosts fitness classes social events and health programs for elders

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Springfield, Illinois?

If Springfield, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Springfield, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!