I'm a remote worker and It's a a small town city with about 10,680 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
0 upvotes
3 Replies
Elijah Hernandez
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
35 upvotes
Samantha E.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
25 upvotes
parker_mama
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
All Countries
