Hello, The median home value here is around $197,100, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $1,230 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
34 upvotes
10 Replies
Jayden J.
preach
39 upvotes
Rylee Murphy
following this thread
36 upvotes
Olivia Jimenez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely better than expected and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
24 upvotes
Mateo
this is the way
20 upvotes
Paisley Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Wesley Y.
This.
16 upvotes
Noah Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Paisley R.
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Vivian S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Austin about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Ariana
Used to live on the East side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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