We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Lillian Reed
haha yep pretty much
36 upvotes
Madeline Evans
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Elijah Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 49, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.