Curious what people think. Just moved here 10 months ago and Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 9.3%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Has anyone dealt with this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Maverick Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 26, moved here 4 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
31 upvotes
Danielle R.
Moved here from San Diego about 12 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to walkability but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Eliana
not my experience at all
22 upvotes
Reagan Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Ryan Perez
seconding this
15 upvotes
real_madeline21
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Jaxon Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Quinn Rogers
spot on
11 upvotes
madelyn_life
I've lived in Eastside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Kenneth P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
8 upvotes
Wesley Rodriguez
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Quinn
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in education. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Alice Reed
spot on
5 upvotes
columbus_allison
underrated comment
3 upvotes
Allison
Used to live on the East side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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