Hi all, We have two kids and Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,420/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 14,163 people. You can expect to pay around $1,420 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What are your go-to spots? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Isabella Edwards
noted, appreciate it
40 upvotes
Evelyn S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
true_carson24
not my experience at all
36 upvotes
Maverick Phillips
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.
31 upvotes
Mateo Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Mason
same here
25 upvotes
Piper E.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Bennett Rivera
Bought a house here in 2024 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
13 upvotes
Terry N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 45, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
6 upvotes
Charlotte M.
wish I knew this sooner
5 upvotes
Matthew Gray
wish I knew this sooner
5 upvotes
Angel Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Diego about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
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