So, Poverty rate is 13.4%, which is around average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Appreciate any input. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
Helen W.
spot on
32 upvotes
Harper
+1
32 upvotes
Noah Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural 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 (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
31 upvotes
Delilah Williams
couldn't agree more
28 upvotes
Maverick K.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
Gloria P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Wyatt G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (West) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, 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.
19 upvotes
Waylon Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Chloe Adams
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Brooks Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Miami about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Ariana
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
orlando_angel
I'm a writer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is average and there's always something going on.
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