Anyone else feel this way? The median home value here is around $381,600, which seems about average. Median household income is $83,422, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,804/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any advice would be great. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
17 upvotes
6 Replies
Adeline Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
32 upvotes
Alexa Baker
glad someone said it
32 upvotes
Isaac Rodriguez
I'm a teacher and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Robert R.
it depends on the neighborhood
17 upvotes
Autumn Chavez
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Parker Martin
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
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