Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 16 months ago and Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $881/month for a decent place. Median household income is $76,558, which feels about average for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Let me know your thoughts. Any help is appreciated. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
7 upvotes
2 Replies
Hudson White
100%
32 upvotes
Matthew Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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