Curious what people think. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thoughts? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
John Harris
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Ezra
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
38 upvotes
Jack H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Luna White
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Camila Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 29, moved here 1 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Genesis Bailey
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
25 upvotes
houston_nevaeh
same here
24 upvotes
Kai A.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Alice Martin
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to New York it's hit or miss.
22 upvotes
Jace Brooks
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Allison Walker
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
sacramentovibes2022
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
audrey_heart
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The housing market is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Piper Gomez
as a local I can confirm
8 upvotes
Aaliyah Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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