Hey everyone, I'm a 39-year-old nurse and Poverty rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $133,380, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. What do you all think? It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
18 upvotes
11 Replies
nyclocal2020
glad someone said it
39 upvotes
Madeline Morgan
underrated comment
39 upvotes
Jeremiah Sanchez
seconding this
39 upvotes
William T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 31, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Oak Park and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
33 upvotes
Janice N.
Came here for family and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The nightlife is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Gabriel
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Aurora Nelson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Melissa R.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Ariana
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Westside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
10 upvotes
Clara
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (East) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
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