Been meaning to ask this. You can expect to pay around $613 for rent here. The median home value here is around $133,400, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is about average. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What are your go-to spots? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
27 upvotes
3 Replies
Lily P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 24, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in West and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Denver, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Alexa J.
not my experience at all
20 upvotes
Ruby C.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much pricey but now it's surprisingly good.
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