When I first arrived in Springfield and settled down, the first thing I did was calculate the cost of living.

After all, when you immigrate and start to settle down, you need to find a home, get a car, and do grocery shopping, so knowing how much money you need is the most practical concern.

According to my research, the cost of living index in Springfield is about 141 when the national average is set at 100. This means it's approximately 41% more expensive than the national average, and at first, I just thought, "Oh, that's just a number." But as I started looking for houses and shopping at the grocery store, I began to understand that 41% a bit more.

Housing prices are particularly high. The median home price is around $646,000, and the median rent is about $2,143. For those coming from Korea to the U.S. or moving from a state with a lower cost of living, the housing costs can feel more expensive than expected. When you add in car insurance, electricity, internet, and food expenses, the monthly costs can quickly add up.

However, after living here for a few years, it becomes clear why people continue to live in this area despite the high cost of living.

One of the aspects I found most comfortable as an immigrant is the incredible diversity of the people. As of 2024, about 40.2% of Springfield's population is foreign-born. People from various countries, including Asians and Hispanics, live together here.

So, when you first arrive, you don't really feel like the only foreigner. You hear multiple languages in the grocery store, there are diverse restaurants, and it's common to see people speaking English with an accent. The atmosphere is not one where you feel judged for not speaking perfect English, which is a significant advantage for someone starting their life in the U.S.

I also think that job opportunities are one of the reasons Springfield is expensive. The median household income here is about $117,598, which is relatively high. Many residents work in management, computer and math-related fields, and office jobs.

While not all jobs are concentrated in Springfield, the fact that it is connected to the living areas of DC, Arlington, and Alexandria is important. Many people commute to federal government jobs, defense contractors around the Pentagon, IT, and consulting companies. The average commute time of about 29 minutes reflects this regional characteristic.

Of course, there are inconveniences as well. The first thing that comes to mind is traffic. If you accidentally get on I-95 or I-495 during rush hour, you can find yourself stuck for a long time. The Springfield Interchange, commonly known as the Mixing Bowl, can be quite overwhelming for new drivers.

Public transportation exists, but it has its limits when it comes to managing all aspects of life without a car. To do grocery shopping, drop off kids, and visit the doctor, having a car is much more convenient.

Additionally, Springfield itself is not a flashy neighborhood. If you want to enjoy nightlife, great restaurants, and a vibrant city atmosphere, Arlington or DC is much more exciting. Springfield is more of a residential area where you return home to live quietly.

However, from the perspective of an immigrant settling in the U.S. for the first time, the story changes. There are diverse people living here, schools and living infrastructure are in place, and you have access to jobs in the DC area.

It's certainly not a neighborhood chosen for its low cost of living. But if you're looking for a place that's a bit more expensive yet stable, where you can work and live comfortably with your family, I think Springfield is a quite realistic choice. Living here makes you realize that there are reasons for the high costs after all.