So, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Does this match your experience? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
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Emilia Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 41, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. average 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.