Not sure if this has been asked before, but Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Worth the trade-offs? TIA! Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
2 upvotes
8 Replies
Noah H.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Southern places. I love the pace of life here.
40 upvotes
Naomi Mitchell
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
39 upvotes
Violet Brooks
been saying this for years
35 upvotes
Theodore Lopez
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The healthcare is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Samantha R.
This.
12 upvotes
Jonathan Clark
I've lived in Old Town for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Eva W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 40, moved here 12 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Chicago, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
7 upvotes
Noah Hernandez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
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