Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? |
Weather in Springfield, like much of the Pacific northwest, is very mild and rainy. Summer temperatures average only in the mid 70's and 80's, the majority of days with cloudy or partly-cloudy skies. The air can feel a bit humid, especially in the mornings, however by midday and evenings this dissipates quite a bit. Rainfall in the area is well above the US average, each month receiving anywhere from 1 to 8 inches of precipitation. The saying that "Oregonians have moss growing between their toes" is one that certainly rings true to residents of Springfield. Winter temperatures average in the high 30's to 40's. Little snow falls, an inch or two each winter month. | | Springfield certainly has it's fair share of crime to report, with crime rates in the past few years at or slightly above US average. The greatest percentage of crime is theft. Burglaries and home invasion or vandalism are also reported, with robberies being much lower. Some violent crime such as assaults and rape are also heard of in small numbers. A likely contributing factor in the crime numbers is the fact that much of Springfield's population is older, or retired. | | Some of Springfield's most desirable areas are located near the city center, in the Mohawk and Marcola neighborhoods, as well as Mackenzie Bridge and Blue River. The homes here are attractive, well-maintained and established. The proximity to the waters of the beautiful Mackenzie River is a draw to many potential home buyers. Less desirable areas of town are located more on the outskirts of the street grid system, near Q and 5th Streets. Homes are smaller, and positioned quite close together. These smaller streets also receive higher traffic than other areas. | | People in Springfield are an interesting lot. You tend to find folks who are bit less educated, the rural and down to earth types. The income of residents is for the most part not high. Though most of the population is white, there are a variety of ancestries in the area: German, Irish, English, Italian and Norwegian. There's also a mix of white and blue collar occupations, with office, business and sales professionals along with service workers. There's also a sizable student population, owing to the nearby University of Oregon. |
Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life |
The downtown shopping area in Springfield is older, but well maintained. A shopping mall is positioned near several restaurants and bars, with landscaped pedestrian walkways and bike paths woven throughout. | | Hop Valley Brewing Company brews its own beer and offers a variety of homemade entrees. Hole in the Wall Barbeque has a unique atmosphere and is a great place for burgers and chicken wings. | | There are a number of public elementary, middle, and high schools in Springfield. Schools perform well, with students testing at or above the US standard. | | There are some opportunities for singles in Springfield, with a few popular cafes and bars. There are greater opportunities with a drive to either Eugene or Portland. |
Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions |
Noise in Springfield comes from Interstate 5 and highway 126, as well as a large paper mill and water treatment plant in the center of town. | | Springfield could be considered a superior place to live than nearby Eugene, which is more densely populated, with more traffic and a longer commute. Eugene also has the noise and crowds of the University of Oregon. Some students make their home in Springfield which has the proximity to the school without the masses and higher cost of living.
Springfield could, however, be considered not as ideal a place to live as Portland. Portland's vibrant and edgy community is home to great shopping and dining which is lacking in Springfield. Portland also has a far greater assortment of museums, galleries, tourist attractions and culture. | | McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is an excellent critical care and emergency services facility. It also features outpatient clinics. | | The Springfield Museum attracts visitors, as well as Tilt Amusement Park and The Wave pool and aquatic center. The McKenzie River winds through town, offering great opportunities for fishing or tubing down the river. |
General comments | | | | | | |
Springfield has a unique and genuine feel to it. The air is clean and fresh, inviting you to really fill your lungs. The towering pines and lush greenery give the town a bit of a rustic character, a wonderful woodsy atmosphere. People are friendly and welcoming, the type of people who smile at you on the street and give off a salt-of-the-earth sort of vibe. There's somewhat of a slower pace to life here. While its not the most happening spot around, Springfield invites visitors to relax, savor and enjoy the Pacific northwest. | | | | | | |