Longtime lurker here, I work in marketing and Rent is about $1,523/month for a decent place. Median household income is $94,189, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Does this match your experience?
38 upvotes
11 Replies
Roy B.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
Julian
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Samantha B.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Tyler C.
accurate
19 upvotes
Brooklyn Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 57, moved here 8 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. decent 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
19 upvotes
Noah King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 28, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Sunset and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. underrated 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
18 upvotes
Lily Parker
exactly what I was thinking
17 upvotes
Connor Ward
Bought a house here in 2021 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
15 upvotes
Pamela N.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
2 upvotes
Jace Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
0 upvotes
mountain_logan70
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are decent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Chain restaurants dominate. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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