Hello, I'm a 27-year-old data analyst and Poverty rate is 13.8%, which is around average. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $49,377 in Auburn. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Vivian
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Nora Morgan
Moved here from San Diego about 12 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to weather but Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
orlando_isaac
I'm a data analyst and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is average and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Genesis W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Ethan Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 4 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Eastside schools are decent. 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 high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Caroline E.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 5 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Victoria Murphy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Brooklyn Carter
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Carter Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Helen W.
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 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts 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 hit or miss. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Ryan Gonzalez
seconding this
12 upvotes
Brenda W.
Came here for school and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Alice Howard
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 Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers 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 decent. 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 public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Camila Rivera
thanks for sharing
4 upvotes
Jaxon
I've lived in Downtown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
- The community vibe scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
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