I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Homes are going for about $184,000 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What do you all think? The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
5 upvotes
5 Replies
Clara Bennett
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
Julian B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
25 upvotes
Jonathan Young
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Wesley Ruiz
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
4 upvotes
Maverick Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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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