First post here. I'm retired and The median home value here is around $292,400, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Ryan Edwards
same here
40 upvotes
Josiah Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 49, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
14 upvotes
John R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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