Considering Avenue B and C vs Chicago -help me decide
Alright, Crime rate is something to consider -Avenue B and C sits at 165.1 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What are your go-to spots? Any help is appreciated. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Robert
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Matthew P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Andrew Rivera
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Ariana Cooper
Came here for family and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The weather is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Luna Phillips
not my experience at all
20 upvotes
Jacob Cox
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Easton Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Austin about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Gianna Williams
glad someone said it
14 upvotes
Kennedy Roberts
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is challenging in most areas.
12 upvotes
Robert E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 14 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech 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 surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Harper Gray
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
All Countries
