Random thought, Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs?
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Aiden Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 38, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Fairview and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
Carson Cooper
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
Victoria Thompson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Joshua Ortiz
I'm a accountant and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Miles Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Luke Gonzalez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Brooks Kelly
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in North area are underrated. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
James
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great seafood places. it exceeded my expectations.
5 upvotes
Eleanor Gonzalez
interesting, hadn't considered that
5 upvotes
Theodore G.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Sunset area are excellent. Kids love it here.
3 upvotes
Caroline Thomas
I work in tech here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..