Hey folks, Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $885,600 on average. Median household income is $146,486, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I overthinking this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes
11 Replies
Adrian L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Katherine A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Dominic
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 39, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
23 upvotes
Amelia Garcia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Austin it's hit or miss.
23 upvotes
Waylon Morgan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is average in most areas.
19 upvotes
Emily M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Joseph W.
Came here for work and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The walkability is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Grace J.
same here
12 upvotes
Ralph F.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
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