Hi all, Am I overthinking this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
14 upvotes
10 Replies
Ian White
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Amelia L.
accurate
37 upvotes
Victoria
I work in marketing here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
raised_isaiah30
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Chicago it's better than expected.
32 upvotes
Jordan Scott
good to know, thanks
24 upvotes
Jack Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Katherine H.
this is the way
17 upvotes
Maya R.
hard disagree but ok
4 upvotes
Madelyn Alvarez
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
1 upvotes
Colton Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 29, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. improving 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.