Hey everyone, The median home value here is around $324,600, which seems about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
29 upvotes
8 Replies
Carson Brooks
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much affordable but now it's underrated.
40 upvotes
Declan Alvarez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Paisley W.
seconding this
31 upvotes
la_nicholas
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor recreation is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Brooklyn Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 54, moved here 2 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
22 upvotes
David C.
Totally agree!
13 upvotes
Luca Lewis
I work in engineering here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is underrated. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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