The cities themselves are really small so if you have a good job it’s easy to find a good place to live in the outer suburbs.
I was just considering a move to Hartford for a crazy promotion before I was approached about going for a different position (same role) that lets me live anywhere in the US. I was still considering that role since it had a bigger "scope." I don't know.
Hartford City is 18 square miles Springfield is 33. For comparison Atlanta is 133