AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Springfield, MA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Springfield neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,100/mo
Median Rent
155,929
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Baystate Health
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Springfield? What Renters Need to Know

The median rent in Springfield is approximately $1,100 per month — one of the lowest in Massachusetts. Forest Park and East Forest Park offer better quality housing for $1,200-$1,300, while other neighborhoods fall under $1,000.

Quick Facts

Population 155,929
Median Rent $1,100/mo
Top Employer Baystate Health
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,100 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Springfield median rent is $400 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Springfield is Baystate Health, making the Forest Park area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Springfield

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Forest Park

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 63
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 6/10
#2

East Forest Park

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 56
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 6/10
#3

Indian Orchard

Score: 68/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 5/10

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#4

Bay

Score: 62/100
Safety C
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $850
Schools 3/10
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#5

McKnight

Score: 66/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 69
Avg Rent $950
Schools 4/10
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#6

Upper Hill

Score: 70/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 5/10
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#7

Sixteen Acres

Score: 77/100
Safety B
Walk Score 40
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 6/10
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#8

Downtown

Score: 69/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 82
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 4/10
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See All 8 Springfield Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Springfield Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Springfield renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Springfield.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Springfield properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Springfield

What is the average rent in Springfield, MA?

The median rent in Springfield is approximately $1,100 per month — one of the lowest in Massachusetts. Forest Park and East Forest Park offer better quality housing for $1,200-$1,300, while other neighborhoods fall under $1,000. Springfield is a genuinely affordable option in an otherwise expensive state.

Is Springfield, MA safe?

Springfield has elevated crime rates by Massachusetts standards. Forest Park and East Forest Park are the safest neighborhoods and are considered genuinely livable. Parts of the North End, McKnight, and Bay neighborhoods have higher crime. The city has faced economic challenges tied to deindustrialization, but Baystate Health and MGM Springfield casino have provided stabilizing employment.

What is Springfield known for?

Springfield is the birthplace of basketball — Dr. James Naismith invented the sport here in 1891, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is located downtown. Springfield Armory National Historic Site marks the city's manufacturing heritage. The city also has the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, honoring Theodor Geisel, a Springfield native.

How does Springfield compare to nearby cities?

Springfield is the urban core of the Pioneer Valley, with Northampton, Amherst, and Holyoke nearby. Northampton is more affluent and college-town oriented (Smith College), while Amherst is dominated by UMass Amherst. Springfield offers lower costs but higher crime than its neighbors. Many workers in the valley choose to live in Springfield for affordability and commute to surrounding towns.

What is the economic outlook for Springfield?

Springfield has faced decades of economic challenges following industrial decline. MGM Springfield casino brought investment and jobs but has underperformed projections. Baystate Health is the anchor employer. The Pioneer Valley has a strong higher education cluster, and remote work has brought some newcomers. The city is working to leverage its fiber broadband infrastructure and central New England location for economic development.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.