First post here. I relocated for work and It's a a smaller city city with about 39,832 people. Average temperature is around 70--F, so it's warm year-round. You can expect to pay around $1,159 for rent here. Homes are going for about $303,500 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
16 upvotes
13 Replies
Audrey
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is solid in most areas.
39 upvotes
Lucas Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Gianna Wilson
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
34 upvotes
Scarlett C.
I'm a writer and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Wesley Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 34, moved here 6 years ago from New York. I've lived in Westside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 New York, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
22 upvotes
Chloe Mitchell
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Margaret Y.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The nightlife is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Brielle Adams
spot on
11 upvotes
la_genesis
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Rylee Morales
same here
10 upvotes
Rylee
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Kaylee Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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