Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 7 months ago and Homes are going for about $164,300 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
9 upvotes
2 Replies
sd_leo
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great craft beer places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
16 upvotes
Evan Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 40, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. decent 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
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