Hey, My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 5.0%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $83,458, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 61,129 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Good job market
- Lots of new development
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Rising rent prices
- High property taxes
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Far from major airports
Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
13 upvotes
9 Replies
Genesis Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Wyatt N.
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
Melanie Jackson
good to know, thanks
22 upvotes
Violet Lewis
I work in government here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is better than expected. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Christian Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 47, moved here 5 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Highland and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Baltimore, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
15 upvotes
Lucy Thomas
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Andrew Lee
I've lived in Downtown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Nicholas Jones
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Benjamin E.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The cost of living is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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