Random thought, Been living here since 2015. It's a a small town city with about 5,861 people. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, which is about average. Rent is about $1,832/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up.
3 upvotes
3 Replies
Kennedy Watson
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 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Diego, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
37 upvotes
Nathan Castillo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Riverside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
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