First post here. I've been here for 3 years and Homes are going for about $856,800 on average. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Has anyone dealt with this?
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Julian
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The job market is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Ruby Ruiz
yeah no that's not right
39 upvotes
Valentina Lopez
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Dominic C.
Moved here from Denver about 8 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to weather but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Reagan Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in East and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
31 upvotes
Ellie P.
yep
24 upvotes
Zoe M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
James Lee
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
William H.
I'm a project manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Everly Hughes
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
11 upvotes
Clara R.
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
Christian S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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