So, I'm a college student here and The median home value here is around $154,200, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $917/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $917 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Parker Green
I've lived in North for about 9 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 Phoenix, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Carter Cruz
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Alan T.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The community vibe is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Olivia Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
25 upvotes
Mia Wright
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is average in most areas.
25 upvotes
Savannah Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Landon
it depends on the neighborhood
24 upvotes
Hudson Jimenez
100%
19 upvotes
Mackenzie Cooper
I've lived in Oak Park for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
William
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much reasonable but now it's tough.
10 upvotes
Samuel Mendoza
I've lived in North for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- The public transit scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
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