First post here. I'm a teacher here and Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $2,061/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
51 upvotes
13 Replies
Savannah Clark
haha yep pretty much
40 upvotes
Aiden Anderson
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
37 upvotes
Gabriella Mitchell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in retail. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Reagan Carter
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (The Heights) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
30 upvotes
Helen F.
couldn't agree more
29 upvotes
Skylar Price
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The school system is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Jose Alvarez
I'm a nurse and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Natalie Morris
I'm a data analyst and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Wyatt M.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
22 upvotes
brooklyn_chef
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Landon Cox
honestly same experience here
12 upvotes
Ryan C.
thanks for sharing
4 upvotes
Sadie M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
All Countries
