Hi all, I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 4.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Eldorado at Santa Fe sits at 346.4 per 100K. Homes are going for about $542,800 on average. You can expect to pay around $2,132 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
3 upvotes
4 Replies
Aaliyah Alvarez
glad someone said it
27 upvotes
Hunter Bailey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
24 upvotes
Leonardo Hernandez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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