So, I relocated for work and Household incomes average around $88,536 in Chesterton. Rent is about $1,145/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 8.4%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $280,400 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,145 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Should I be concerned? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Claire King
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Alexa Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 14 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. tough 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 LA, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Willie T.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
31 upvotes
Donald C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 53, moved here 2 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Donna H.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great sushi places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
30 upvotes
Waylon Johnson
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Henry
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Beverly H.
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Korean places. it exceeded my expectations.
20 upvotes
Carson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
14 upvotes
Robert Taylor
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Aaliyah Parker
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
12 upvotes
Charlotte G.
Totally agree!
5 upvotes
Caroline Cooper
noted, appreciate it
2 upvotes
Pamela W.
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Thai places. the quality of life is solid.
All Countries
