Been meaning to ask this. TIA! The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Quinn
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Kaylee Ramirez
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
37 upvotes
Serenity J.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Midtown area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Abigail R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Sadie Ross
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Delilah R.
100%
27 upvotes
Camila Perez
Totally agree!
26 upvotes
Roman Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Genesis Patel
+1
23 upvotes
Nolan Mitchell
This.
19 upvotes
Noah
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The safety is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Connor Lewis
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Claire Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 55, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
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 cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
14 upvotes
nola_camila
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..