Hey folks, My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,468 for rent here. Poverty rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
30 upvotes
4 Replies
Nora Roberts
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much competitive but now it's improving.
34 upvotes
nyc_eli
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Zoe Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 51, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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