Alright, The median home value here is around $182,900, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 11.7%, which is around average. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots? Thanks! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Theodore
100%
37 upvotes
Hannah Torres
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Oliver R.
+1
35 upvotes
Arianna
accurate
33 upvotes
Chloe
Totally agree!
32 upvotes
Addison
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is decent in most areas.
31 upvotes
Adrian M.
Moved here from Seattle about 5 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to food scene but No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Weston Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Katherine Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 39, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Midtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. tough 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 San Diego, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
15 upvotes
Jacob Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 40, moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
13 upvotes
Sophie Wright
I've lived in North for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
