Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $77,397, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $1,371/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
21 upvotes
19 Replies
Adam Richardson
great question, following
39 upvotes
Clara Robinson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Hudson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Gianna Bennett
I'm a lawyer and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Carson Collins
couldn't agree more
33 upvotes
Christian Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 2 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Westside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
31 upvotes
Elena Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 24, moved here 7 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
27 upvotes
Christian Wright
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
orlando_grace
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Adam Nelson
good to know, thanks
24 upvotes
Kevin R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are surprisingly 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Madelyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 29, moved here 9 years ago from Austin. I've lived in West and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
16 upvotes
Ethan Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Highland) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
15 upvotes
Audrey Turner
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
15 upvotes
naomi_mama
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The public transit is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Liam
Came here for weather and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The weather is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Skylar Anderson
I'm a social worker and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Miles Green
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
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