Hello, You can expect to pay around $1,465 for rent here. Homes are going for about $308,700 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Anyone in a similar situation? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Isaiah Wright
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is excellent in most areas.
40 upvotes
isla_living
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Arianna Thompson
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 9 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. solid 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 Tampa, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
34 upvotes
Nicholas F.
honestly same experience here
31 upvotes
Connor Rivera
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The pet-friendliness is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Elena Sanchez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Evan Ruiz
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Carter L.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Meadowbrook area are excellent. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Lily
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Grace M.
yeah no that's not right
11 upvotes
Madelyn Cox
Moved here last year, no regrets.
10 upvotes
Wesley Martin
exactly what I was thinking
5 upvotes
Lucas Miller
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much reasonable but now it's underrated.
4 upvotes
Natalie Cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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