Curious what people think. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Rylee Roberts
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
40 upvotes
Eleanor
Moved here from Houston about 3 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Ian
Moved here from Chicago about 12 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Paisley Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Denver about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Sarah A.
Moved here from Tampa about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to community vibe but Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Jordan Carter
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Sebastian J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 27, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. challenging 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 LA, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
24 upvotes
Ezra
same here
16 upvotes
Kayden Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Brielle Stewart
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
John D.
Came here for retirement and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The public transit is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.