Hi all, We're a young couple and Median household income is $103,288, which feels pretty solid for the area. What would you do? Thanks in advance!
6 upvotes
5 Replies
isla_kid
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Downtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
33 upvotes
Quinn Williams
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
24 upvotes
Isabella Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Kinsley Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 36, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. better than expected 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
5 upvotes
Thomas Ortiz
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much affordable but now it's surprisingly good.
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