Been living here since 2024. Homes are going for about $1,200,900 on average. Median household income is $127,246, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 6.0%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
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Jayden M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 42, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Oak Park and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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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