Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2021. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Should I be concerned?
7 upvotes
6 Replies
chicagorider2021
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
hard disagree but ok
18 upvotes
Emma Ross
I've lived in South for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The traffic scene is decent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Julia Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 30, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in The Heights and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. decent 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 Minneapolis, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
14 upvotes
Nora Roberts
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Nashville it's decent.
11 upvotes
Sophie Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.