I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $2,175 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
11 Replies
Cora
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Grayson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Valentina Johnson
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
29 upvotes
Lucas Cook
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Cameron Thompson
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Charlotte Roberts
Moved here last year, no regrets.
20 upvotes
indy_melanie
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Rylee Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 1 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Anthony K.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
13 upvotes
Zoey Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Susan K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
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