Curious what people think. Homes are going for about $56,900 on average. Rent is about $959/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 17,173 people. The unemployment rate is 5.7%, which is about average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
10 upvotes
3 Replies
Melanie R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Anna Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 37, moved here 4 years ago from New York. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - 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 dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. surprisingly good 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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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