Hey everyone, We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $48,696, which feels on the lower side for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
William Miller
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Hannah Price
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
36 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramos
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Isabella Anderson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Ryan Edwards
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Riverside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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
Kai Lopez
thanks for sharing
26 upvotes
Charlotte Morales
I work in finance here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is pretty good. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Ruby Richardson
following this thread
8 upvotes
Lillian Young
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
1 upvotes
lake_natalie79
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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