Longtime lurker here, I'm single, late 50s, and Rent is about $2,460/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I wrong here? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
8 upvotes
6 Replies
Luna Wright
literally same
36 upvotes
Katherine Clark
interesting, hadn't considered that
36 upvotes
Samantha R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is average in most areas.
29 upvotes
Everly Myers
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Melanie Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
15 upvotes
Violet M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 28, moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Fairview and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
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