Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2013. The median home value here is around $238,900, which is actually reasonable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up.
21 upvotes
13 Replies
Lillian Walker
Totally agree!
37 upvotes
Isla Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely tough and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
36 upvotes
Ezekiel R.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
36 upvotes
Jack H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 3 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Paisley Green
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Stella Ross
been saying this for years
27 upvotes
Levi Rivera
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Grace J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 44, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in The Heights and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
24 upvotes
Genesis Thompson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
everett_native
honestly same experience here
11 upvotes
Scarlett Young
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
11 upvotes
Avery S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
Oliver Miller
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is excellent in most areas.
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