Anyone else feel this way? It's a a small town city with about 5,090 people. Poverty rate is 12.8%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
1 upvotes
4 Replies
Isla Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 2 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Easton Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Victoria P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like seafood.
No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
houstonkid2025
Used to live on the North side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
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