Hi all, I'm a 43-year-old data analyst and Poverty rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 14,658 people. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Household incomes average around $142,173 in Black Forest. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Nicole R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Seattle about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Everett Peterson
100%
39 upvotes
Ralph W.
accurate
37 upvotes
Joseph S.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Santiago Roberts
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
mountain_kaylee69
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 37, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
tampa_audrey
haha yep pretty much
22 upvotes
Logan Wright
I've lived in Midtown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The traffic scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Nora Thomas
this is the way
20 upvotes
Julia R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Ariana Collins
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
14 upvotes
wild_kaylee6
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to San Francisco it's improving.
11 upvotes
Kenneth L.
I work in finance here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Evelyn Mitchell
I'm a project manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Bennett Johnson
I've lived in Eastside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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