Hey everyone, I'm a college student here and Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Should I be concerned? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
5 upvotes
4 Replies
Madelyn Anderson
seconding this
35 upvotes
Aubrey Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
29 upvotes
Isaiah Gomez
Moved here from Miami about 10 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Matthew Morgan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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