First post here. You can expect to pay around $2,397 for rent here. The median home value here is around $659,000, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Ashburn sits at 194.2 per 100K. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
28 upvotes
22 Replies
Sophia Harris
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Riverside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Patrick G.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Old Town area are challenging. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Luna Jones
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
37 upvotes
Hannah Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Fairview and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
37 upvotes
Rylee G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 57, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
37 upvotes
Aria F.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
35 upvotes
Alice Hernandez
underrated comment
33 upvotes
Emily Kim
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Nicholas W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Alice Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 8 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Road conditions need improvement. Dating scene is rough. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Hannah Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 30, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
26 upvotes
tampa_piper
I've lived in Fairview for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Grayson
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
Andrew D.
same here
25 upvotes
Roman Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Luca Gomez
I've lived in West for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Quinn Cruz
yeah no that's not right
14 upvotes
Amelia Sanchez
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Jonathan Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Gabriella Wright
accurate
6 upvotes
Valentina King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 41, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Westside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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