We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $1,859 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. What do you all think? Appreciate any input. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Jacob Gray
interesting, hadn't considered that
39 upvotes
Santiago Bennett
haha yep pretty much
37 upvotes
raised_joshua60
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Aurora
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The public transit is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Dennis S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Downtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Atlanta, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
28 upvotes
Asher Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 10 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Emily A.
interesting, hadn't considered that
20 upvotes
Jeremiah Ortiz
This.
20 upvotes
Stephanie N.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
17 upvotes
Logan Foster
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Josiah Perez
preach
15 upvotes
Alice P.
I'm a nurse and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Asher Anderson
Used to live on the East side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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